Roma draw with Inter

Roma's bid to claim sixth place in the Serie A table back from AC Milan failed as the Giallorossi were held to a 1-1 draw by Inter Milan.

Roma's bid to claim sixth place in the Serie A table back from AC Milan failed as the Giallorossi were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico. Francesco Totti's penalty put Roma in front in the 22nd minute before Rodrigo Palacio equalised in first-half stoppage time. Roma had the better chances to win it but both sides appeared to tire quickly as the game soon fizzled out in the second half. Games between Roma and Inter have a reputation for providing plenty of goals, and although that was not necessarily the case this time, the chances were there all the same. The home side had the majority of them, especially during the opening 30 minutes. Pablo Osvaldo missed the best chance while the final ball tended to be errant, meaning Inter held on until the 22nd minute. USA international Michael Bradley was put through by Totti and he tumbled over Andrea Ranocchia, who had committed himself to the tackle early, and a penalty was awarded. Totti stepped up to powerfully drill the spot-kick into the roof of the net. Erik Lamela tried to make it two in the 35th minute but his shot curled just wide of the far post. Inter then came to life as Marko Livaja's shot hit the inside of the post and crossed the goalmouth in the 37th minute. Cristian Chivu saw a shot cleared off the line before Palacio levelled in stoppage time. Fredy Guarin managed to make his way to the goalline, with his pull-back catching out three Roma defenders, and it was an invitation for a simple tap-in from Palacio. Roma had the better of the second half, too, but despite their efforts, they could not find a second goal. Ivan Piris went the closest in the 80th minute with a volley from 10 yards which just cleared the crossbar.