Francesco Totti put the Giallorossi ahead in the fifth minute and Rodrigo Taddei doubled their lead 15 minutes from time.

Davide Lanzafame gave the home side hope in the 81st minute, but a late red card for Luis Jimenez dented their hopes of finding an equaliser and Roma held on for a win which takes them one point clear of the Nerazzurri, who face Lazio on Sunday night.

Ronaldinho inspired AC Milan to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina which practically assures them third spot in Serie A and automatic qualification for the Champions League next season.

The Brazilian was in inspirational form, even if he only managed one goal, and that came from the penalty spot late in the game, but it was a crucial goal which takes the Rossoneri seven points clear of fourth-placed Sampdoria.

Milan ended the game with 10 men when Massimo Ambrosini was shown a red card three minutes from time but they held on.