To make matters worse, the title-holders were also without Francesco Totti and the suspended Jonathan Zebina, Marcos Cafu, Marco Delvecchio and Marcos Assuncao.

Gabriel Batistuta's form continues to confuse as early on the ex-Fiorentina star wasted a golden opportunity created by Vincenzo Montella. Bologna started to take control as the defence had real problems dealing with Beppe Signori. Francesco Antonioli made fine saves on the ex-Lazio star and Marcello Castellini.

Roma eventually broke the deadlock on the counter-attack. Gabriel Batistuta was forced wide by Gianluca Pagliuca, so the Argentine placed the ball back for Vincenzo Montella to tap in.

Just before the break Emerson doubled their barely deserved lead when he volleyed in fellow Brazilian Francisco Lima's cross by the far post.

At the dawn of the second half Emerson netted his second to make the points safe. The midfielder's fourth goal of the season was a powerful dipping drive from the edge of the box. Montella and Lima were again involved in the build-up.

Bologna finally managed to get on the scoresheet just before time when Julio Cruz blasted in an angled drive following his solo effort.