Andrea Petagna and Kevin Bonifazi grabbed the goals for the visitors.

SPAL seemed to be the beneficiaries of a soft penalty decision midway through the first half, which allowed Petagna to break the deadlock. But the took full advantage, as Bonifazi's header from a corner early in the second half cemented their advantage.

Goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic was sent off in the closing stages, but the Giallorossi were unable to exploit that and find a way back into the match.

TEAM NEWS

Ivan Marcano partnered Federico Fazio in the heart of defence, with Di Francesco seemingly prioritising fresh legs after the international break. Bryan Cristante partners Steven Nzonzi in midfield.

Edin Dzeko led the attack once again, as Lorenzo Pellegrini continued in a central attacking midfield role.

First half

3' - An early save from Milinkovic-Savic to deny El Shaarawy.

7' - Another good save from Milinkovic-Savic, this time diving low to his right to parry away Edin Dzeko's driven effort.

17' - A clever ball from El Shaarawy as he spots Dzeko's run in behind the defence - the striker gets into the box but his low shot is kicked away by Milinkovic-Savic.

34' - Florenzi half-volleys narrowly wide as the ball is squared to him on the edge of the area.

36' - A chance for Florenzi after a great turn inside the box - but he cannot quite get enough power on his shot to send it beyond Milinkovic-Savic.

37' - Penalty for SPAL. Luca Pellegrini is adjudged to have brought down Lazzari inside the box.

38' - Goal. Petagna converts from the penalty spot. 0-1.

Second half

54' - Glorious chance for Dzeko after El Shaarawy squares the ball across goal for him - but the No. 9 prods his shot wide!

56' - Goal. Bonifazi scores from a corner. 0-2.

63' - Good save from Olsen to stop Petagna's powerful effort as it appears to be heading for the top corner.

67' - Crossbar! Milinkovic-Savic tips Lorenzo Pellegrini's blistering strike from distance onto the bar and over!

76' - Ridiculous scenes at the Olimpico, as SPAL goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic is shown is marching orders! First he is booked for timewasting and then, after throwing the ball away in frustration at the decision, the referee brandishes a second yellow!

78' - Ante Coric comes on for his Roma debut.

83' - Dzeko heads straight at Gomis after a good cross into the box from El Shaarawy.

88' - Dzeko latches onto Marcano's knock-down, but Gomis makes the save.

KEY MATCH STATISTICS

ROMA REACTION

To follow...

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Giallorossi are back at the Stadio Olimpico in midweek, as they host CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

The next Serie A fixture sees the team travel to Naples to face Napoli on Sunday.