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Roma saw off Catania 2-0 despite missing several players, including Francesco Totti.
The Giallorossi had to win to keep their Scudetto challenge going and were boosted by a midweek 4-0 Coppa Italia thrashing of Torino, which saw Francesco Totti score his 200th goal for the club. However, Christian Panucci and Max Tonetto sat out bans, with Juan injured and Totti and Simone Perrotta suffering from flu. Catania were confident after their 1-1 draw with Juventus and motivated as their last visit here was a humiliating 7-0 defeat. Lorenzo Stovini was suspended, but Davide Baiocco and Gennaro Sardo returned from their bans. Gionatha Spinesi's knee meant he was only fit for the bench.
The last time Catania got a point in Rome was November 21, 1965, one of only two draws. Unfortunately there was trouble outside the stadium before kick-off with three Sicilian fans stabbed.
Roma took the lead after eight minutes when Rodrigo Taddei's left-foot strike from the edge of the box cannoned against the upright and Ludovic Giuly was ready to tap in the rebound.
Ciro Polito stuck out a foot and had help from a goalline clearance to deny Taddei. Moments later Taddei threaded through for Mirko Vucinic to cut back and Giuly's effort was deflected out with the goal gaping.
Catania fought back and Alexander Doni required a fine save to deny Christian Terlizzi's header from a corner kick, but Polito had to work hard again on Vucinic's right-foot effort.
Amantino Mancini was too arrogant when clear on goal, as Polito stayed standing to comfortably block a lob. Doni parried a Cristian Silvestri strike from a deflected free kick.
Mancini blasted over from close range, but Catania were still in the running and Giuseppe Mascara combined with Vargas to skim the target.
The referee pointed to the spot as Terlizzi dragged Taddei back by his shorts for a clear penalty. With Totti absent, Daniele De Rossi took over the duties and fired a powerful finish under the bar.
Alberto Aquilani made his comeback months after suffering a serious thigh injury and Polito stuck out a leg to block Giuly's attempt. The former Barcelona star was booked late on for simulation as he clashed with Mascara.
Mauro Esposito replaced Mancini late on and he missed a sitter by drilling over on the counter.
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