Roma close gap on Napoli after derby win

Milan (AFP) – Roma moved to within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli after squeezing past local rivals Lazio 2-1 on Sunday as Italy resumed domestic action in the wake of the World Cup disaster for the national team.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s side moved to third in Serie A level on 30 points with Inter Milan ahead of Napoli’s clash later with AC Milan.

Roma leapfrogged Lazio, who drop down to fifth on 28 points after the derby defeat.

Dominant Roma looked set for a comprehensive victory when Diego Perotti slotted home a 49th minute penalty and Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan drilled home a fine low strike four minutes later.

However a Kostas Manolas handball, initially missed by referee Gianluca Rocchi but picked by the video assistant referee after protests from the Lazio players, gave the away side a lifeline from the spot.

Ciro Immobile tucked away the penalty in the 72nd minute to make it 15 goals for the season.

Lazio pressed for an equaliser but Roma held out for a nervy three points that strengthened their claims to be a contender to Juventus’ Serie A crown.