Manchester City are 45 minutes away from an exit from the Champions League after they played out a 0-0 first half with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Jose Holebas snuck in around the back, but the Greek defender was denied from close range by Joe Hart after just five minutes.
The right side was a particular area of joy for the home side though, and moments later it was Radja Nainggolan who found room and his driven low ball caused panic in the City defence before it was eventually cleared.
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Edin Dzeko has replaced the injured Sergio Aguero in City's starting lineup and the Bosnian got on the end of Gael Clichy's cross on 14 minutes, but the effort was comfortably over the bar.
Jesus Navas slung in an inviting low cross moments later, but Roma eventually cleared their lines thanks to Maicon before James Milner forced Morgan de Sanctis into a save on 20 minutes.
Roma went straight up the other end after De Sanctis's save and Gervinho forced Hart into another save as the England international tipped the Ivorian's effort around the post.
Navas had the ball in the net five minutes later when he drilled a low shot into the corner, but it was ruled out after Dzeko had committed a foul when trying to attack Clichy's cross.
Gervinho's pace was causing City problems and the former Arsenal striker streaked away from Clichy after a long ball over the top from Nainggolan, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Hart.
Milner had City's best chance of the half, but the England international couldn't squeeze the ball past De Sanctis after going through on goal on 38 minutes.
Paul Gorst
