Roma 2-1 Bologna: Fazio's strike secures big three points

Second half goals from Aleksandar Kolarov (from the penalty spot) and Fazio (with a sweet half-volley) proved enough for the Giallorossi, although Nicola Sansone's late solo effort ended up setting up a tense finish.

The victory could prove vital to Eusebio Di Francesco in the race for the top four.

In truth it wasn't Roma's best performance of the season, with Robin Olsen perhaps the standout performer on the night - the goalkeeper returning to the starting line-up by making a string of important saves throughout the match.

The Giallorossi had chances of their own but struggled to test Lukasz Skorupski in the Bologna goal - at least until substitute Stephan El Shaarawy was bundled over in the box by Filip Helander.

Kolarov - with his seventh league goal of the season - made no mistake from the spot, opening up the game for Roma. Fazio would take advantage soon after, as his pure strike went through the bodies and found the bottom corner.

The game appeared decided - at least until Sansone made the last 10 minutes decidedly more nervy. But Roma held on, gaining a measure of revenge for their away defeat to the same side earlier in the campaign.