Serie A wrap: Roma on the rise

Goals from Bojan Krkic and Dani Osvaldo saw Roma defeat Novara 2-0 away from home in Serie A, while Palermo beat Bologna.

Roma began strongly in Saturday’s match at the Stadio Silvio Piola, with Erik Lamela looking dangerous.

It was the Argentine who enjoyed Roma’s first sight of goal six minutes in, finding space on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful drive, but his effort flew straight at Novara goalkeeper Alberto Fontana.

The hosts had the ball in the back of the net on 18 minutes, as a great cross from Marco Rigoni was met by Francesco Marianini.

But the former Empoli midfielder’s header was ruled out for offside.

And Novara went close again when Rigoni’s neat ball found Takayuki Morimoto on the edge of the box, but the Japan international was denied by a good save from Maarten Stekelenburg.

On the stroke of half time Rodrigo Taddei almost gave Roma the lead.

The Brazilian winger cut in from the left flank before trying to curl one past Fontana, but his effort sailed just wide of the top corner.

The second half began with the visitors still struggling to break down their stubborn hosts.

In the 67th minute, Fontana was forced into a great save to deny a long-range effort from substitute Bojan.

Novara should have taken the lead moments later.

Riccardo Meggiorini beat Marco Cassetti on the right flank, leaving the striker with a one-on-one chance, but Stekelenburg rushed off his line to make a great save.

In the 73rd minute the away side finally broke the deadlock, taking the lead through former Barcelona man Bojan.

A beautiful chip from Miralem Pjanic was met by the young Spaniard, who made no mistake, putting Roma 1-0 ahead.

After battling for much of the match to force a goal, Roma managed a second just two minutes later.

Fernando Gago’s corner found Osvaldo in the centre of the area, and the Italy international’s powerful header left Fontana with no chance.

The win sees Roma climb to seventh place on the table, five points back from leaders Juventus.

Promoted Novara are 18th, inside the relegation and one point from safety.

Also on Saturday, Palermo eased to a 3-1 win at home to Bologna.

Eran Zehavi gave hosts Palermo the lead 13 minutes from kick off at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Matias Auguste Silvestre and Josip Ilicic were on target to increase the margin in the second half, before Gaston Ramirez netted a consolation goal for Bologna with three minutes remaining.

The win lifts Palermo up to fifth, three points back the league leaders, while Bologna are 14th.