Chievo Verona 3-5 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

The Giallorossi kept their noses ahead in the race for second in Serie A - and, for another 24 hours at least, also ensured the title race remains alive - with an important win at the Stadio Bentegodi, as Stephan El Shaarawy, Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko all got on the scoresheet.

El Shaarawy and Salah both notched in the first half, cancelling out early Chievo strikes and ensuring the visitors went in at the break on level terms.

During the interval coach Luciano Spalletti no doubt reminded his players of the importance of the victory and, when they returned for the second half, they seemed to find another gear - as El Shaarawy eventually gave Roma their first lead of the match after expertly finishing Kevin Strootman's sublime through ball.

With 15 minutes remaining Salah also got his second of the game, this time thanks to a clever pass from Dzeko that put him in the position to find the near corner with style.

Then, in the closing stages, Dzeko himself killed off matters - and enhanced his Serie A top goalscorer hopes in the process - with a rocket of a goal, as fans could finally celebrate the win.

For now, with Napoli and Juventus both still to play this weekend, the Giallorossi sit one point behind the Bianconeri at the top of the table - and four clear of Maurizio Sarri's side.

Team selection

Coach Luciano Spalletti opted to restore both Edin Dzeko and Kevin Strootman to the starting lineup, after they missed the win over Juventus due to injury and respectively.

One of the scorers in that win, Radja Nainggolan, dropped to the bench as a result - with Diego Perotti the other player to make way.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

5' - Paredes hits an early free-kick that is comfortable for Sorrentino...

8' - Slick team move from Roma! Salah and Strootman interchange, then the winger hits a curler that Sorrentino saves!

15' - Goal. Chievo lead. The ball falls to Lucas Castro inside the box and he drives home. 1-0.

28 - GOAL! ROMA LEVEL! El Shaarawy latches onto Fazio's hopeful ball amid defensive confusion, before rounding the goalkeeper and sliding home! 1-1!

38' - Goal. Chievo back ahead. The deep cross finds Inglese who heads beyond Szczesny. 2-1.

41' - Chance! Rudiger crosses for Dzeko, whose deflected header falls into the path of Salah ... but Sorrentino saves from point blank range!

43' - GOAL! LEVEL AGAIN! Back on terms before the break! Moments after his miss, Salah cuts inside and hits a 20-yard curler that nestles inside the far corner! 2-2.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

56' - Chievo forced into a second injury sub, after Pellissier replaced Castro at HT. Gamberini is replaced by Frey.

58' - GOAL! ROMA LEAD! YES! What an assist from Strootman! His pinpoint ball releases El Shaarawy, who controls and then hits a low shot just beyond Sorrentino! 2-3!

63' - Save from Sorrentino, as Dzeko meets Rudiger's cross and sends a powerful header at goal.

74' - Dzeko creates an opening for himself and forces another good save from Sorrentino!

78' - GOAL! ROMA LEAD BY TWO! Dzeko slips a clever ball between the defenders and Salah pounces on it, before curling another perfect shot inside the near post! 2-4!

83' - GOAL! WOOF! WHAT A HIT FROM EDIN! 2-5!

86' - Goal. Chievo get another. Inglese converts from a corner. 3-5.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

"We knew it was going to be tough. They took their chances well too. On their second goal we switched off when the cross came in. The main thing is we bounced back and managed to turn the game around, then we ended the match in the ascendancy."Now we have to focus on Genoa and make sure we get second place.”

- Stephan El Shaarawy

When the pressure is on and you have everything to lose like today, it's easy to get carried away and then you're no longer able to play the way you want. Chievo came into the game with no pressure and played to their strengths, getting the ball up to their front two quickly – and they're both very good at playing for each other. We didn't deal with that particularly well today.”

- Luciano Spalletti

What's next?

The Giallorossi have just one game remaining this season - they host Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico next weekend (exact kick-off date and time is still to be finalised by Serie A).

The team can clinch second place - and automatic qualification for next season's Champions League group stage - with a victory.

CHIEVO 3-5 ROMA

Goalscorers: Castro (15'), Inglese (38', 86); El Shaarawy (28', 58), Salah (42', 76'), Dzeko (82')

Chievo Verona: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Gamberini, Cesar, Gobbi; De Paoli, Radovanovic, Bastien, Castro; Birsa, Inglese.

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Fazio, Manolas, Emerson; Paredes, De Rossi, Strootman; El Shaarawy (Nainggolan), Salah (Perotti); Dzeko (Totti).