The Giallorossi warmed up for Sunday’s showdown against Milan by taking on a third tier side Coached by former local hero Eusebio Di Francesco.

Lanciano went into the half-time break 1-0 in front thanks to a goal from Bognar, who took advantage of Simone Loria’s error.

Vucinic was introduced for the second half and changed the game, equalising from the penalty spot and then hooking a Cicinho ball over the top to beat the goalkeeper.

David Pizarro wasted a chance to get on the scoresheet when Aridità saved his spot-kick, but youth team player Greco extended Roma’s advantage.

Lanciano did not lie down, though, as Morante dribbled round Artur to deposit into an empty net and make the result 3-2.

In terms of fitness for the upcoming game with Milan, it was positive to see Aquilani back in midfield for the entire second half, especially as he was only expected to play 25 minutes.

There were worrying scenes when Julio Baptista limped off and held an ice-pack to his troubled knee, but reports suggest he will be ready for Sunday night.

Francesco Totti, Max Tonetto, Jeremy Menez, Rodrigo Taddei and Stefano Okaka did not take part, but of these both Taddei and Menez are expected to recover to face Milan.

Roma 3-2 Lanciano
Scorers: Bognar 19 (L), Vucinic pen 54, 62 (R), Greco 64 (R), Morante 69 (L)

Roma First Half: Doni; Panucci, Loria, Mexes, Mladen; De Rossi, Bertolacci, Di Stefano (Filipe 32); Perrotta, Baptista (Pizarro 32); Montella

Roma Second Half: Artur, Cicinho, Cassetti (Brosco 26), Juan, Riise; Greco, Filipe (Babucci 26), Brighi (Malomo 26); Aquilani, Pizarro, Vucinic