Kolarov, Fazio score to edge Roma closer to Champions League berths

Milan (AFP) – Defenders Aleksandar Kolarov and Federico Fazio both scored in the second half as Roma closed in on the Champions League places with a 2-1 win over Bologna on Monday.

Eusebio Di Francesco followed their Champions League last 16, first-leg win over Porto last week by consolidating fifth position and are now just a point behind AC Milan in fourth.

Champions Juventus are 13 points clear of second-placed Napoli after Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a 3-0 win against Frosinone on Friday.

Napoli lost points after being held to a third goalless draw against Torino with Inter Milan in third, a further seven points adrift after beating Sampdoria 2-1.

Atalanta and Lazio are three points behind the Romans in sixth after losing to AC Milan (3-1) and Genoa (2-1) respectively at the weekend.

Roma could thank Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen for keeping them in the game against relegation-threatened Bologna as he denied a dangerous Roberto Soriano.

Stephan El Shaarawy came on after the break and ten minutes later obtained the penalty which Kolarov converted to unlock the game.

It was the seventh goal this season for Serbian Kolarov, more than any defender in the top European leagues.

Fazio broke through for the second after 73 minutes off a corner before Nicola Sansone pulled a goal back for Bologna six minutes from time.

Roma extended their unbeaten run to seven league games, while Bologna sit just two points above the relegation zone.