Roma ended a five-game winless run in Serie A by beating lowly Cesena 1-0 at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi this evening.
The hosts came close to scoring in the opening minute of the game when Gaby Mudingayi smashed an effort from the edge of the box just over the bar.
© Getty Images
Moments later it was Roma who threatened down the other end of the pitch and Adem Ljajic forced Nicola Leali to beat away his low effort.
The visitors began to take control and Alessandro Florenzi drilled a strike just wide, before debutant Salih Ucan fired into the arms of the keeper.
Roma continued to dominate and Gervinho saw a low effort saved by Leali, before dragging a strike narrowly wide of the far post.
Despite their dominance, the visitors almost fell behind midway through the first half when Luigi Giorgi found space inside the box and drilled a strike inches over the bar.
With the first half heading towards a goalless stalemate, Roma broke the deadlock as captain Daniele De Rossi arrived in the middle to guide home Ucan's teasing cross.
As the game edged towards the hour mark, Gervinho came within inches of doubling Roma's lead with a curling effort that clipped the top of the bar.
Ljajic then curled a free kick just wide of the target for Roma, but their one-goal lead proved to be enough to claim the points and help to keep their grip on second place in the Serie A table.
Alex Meyers
