Roma blunted by stubborn Parma

Roma missed the chance to climb up the Serie A table as they were held to a goalless draw in a drab match in Parma on Sunday.

Following their turbulent start to the season and their humiliating midweek Champions League loss at home to Basel, the giallorossi needed a win to kick-start their season.

But instead they looked lacking in ideas and conviction and the pressure on coach Claudio Ranieri is sure to increase.

The draw leaves Roma seven points off their city rivals Lazio, who lead the league, having played a game more.

Fernando Marques almost gave the hosts a dream start but Roma goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont tipped his rising effort from 20 yards over the bar after just three minutes.

Marco Borriello was next to threaten for the visitors as he turned in the area but his right-foot finish was weak and wide.

Roma captain Francesco Totti then sent a free-kick over the bar before the hosts came closest yet to taking the lead, again through Marques.

Alessandro Lucarelli bundled past Cicinho and teed up Massimo Gobbi who chipped to the back post to the unmarked Marques but on the slide the Spaniard finished wastefully high.

If the first half was poor the second was worse.

The best chance came four minutes from time on a Roma counter-attack but Julio Baptista, having hesitated when left with only one defender to beat, then missed the chance to play Stefano Okaka in on goal and the chance went begging.

The point moved Parma off the bottom of the table, temporarily at least.