AS Roma needed a victory at Bologna after they failed to grab one win in their last five matches between league and cup action, and they fulfilled the mission thanks to a fantastic first half of play that allowed them to go into the break with a two goal lead that Bologna werent able to overturn in the second forty five minutes of play.

AS Roma coach Fabio Capello decided to play a 3-5-2 formation with Batistuta flanked by young prodigy Antonio Cassano, seen as skipper Francesco Totti was sidelined due to injury. On his part, Bologna coach Guidolin decided to play with the only Julio Cruz up front, and this allowed Roma to immediately take control of the match.

Walter Samuels third minute goal off a Panucci cross surely made things easier for Fabio Capellos side, as it appeared to stun Guidolins gang who were only able to recover after Batistuta gave Roma a two goal edge by making a successful connection off a perfect Emerson invitation in the 15th minute.

The proof that Roma were destined to win the match arrived in the 40th minute when Assuncao majestically curled a freekick into the top corner of the Bologna net only one minute after Wome had temporarily got the Rossoblu back into the game directly off a corner kick.

In the second half Guidolin took out a midfielder, Brioschi, to put on a forward, Bellucci, and Bologna had a couple of chances with the substitute striker early on, but both of his close range efforts sailed wide of the Roma net.

The game began to slow down, and Capello replaced a so-so Cassano with Fuser who had a good chance to give Roma their fourth of the afternoon in the 80th minute, but the former Parma and Lazio wing shot right at Pagliuca from favourable position.

The road win allows Roma to keep pace with leaders Chievo Verona, who stand three points in front of the Giallorossi.