Challenge for ROMA is to win or win, period. Nothing else is accepted. Last week Roma shocked not only Roma fans but the entire Serie A when losing miserably against Siena 3 - 0 Roma.

Roma the only real contender for Inter remained with 8 points behind. So, today, it is a victory to keep the race towards the Scudetto. Otherwise, it will be CIAO CIAO Roma. 

Expectations are set. The OLIMPICO stadium cheers constantly for the Roman gladiators. Captain Francesco Totti is set with his men to conquer this crucial victory.

Referee Banti whistles the beginning of the match.

It is a determined ROMA, excellent. It is obvious they want to win.  In the 9th minute, Roma striker Alberto Aquilani sends a powerful shot blocked by Reggina defense winning a corner kick. Amantino Mancini takes the kick and the ball finds Headmaster Christian Panucci. This time his header is wide!  

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi fights with Makinwa like a real gladiator to help ROMA conquer victory in the Olimpico!

                        

However, in the 22nd minute, HEADMASTER CHRISTIAN PANUCCI, redeemed himself scoring for ROMA with a brilliant header!  Captain Francesco Totti sends a cross to Panucci, and the rest is history. Panucci's head sends the ball to the net leaving Reggina  goalkeeper Campagnolo observing the ball.   Awesome for Panucci!!!!!

AS ROMA 1 - 0 REGGINA

                    
                                            Roma players BLESSSING Chrisitian Panucci's head!!!!!

Definitely, it was not the day of goalkeeper Campagnolo. In the 29th minute, making another mistake that would have cost them another goal!  Amantino Mancini shoots and Campagnolo failed to get a firm grip. Hey, what a chance for ROMA, Toti was closer  but also miss target.  Siena is saved by the bell.

                                                 

From Siena, the one shining like a bright SUN is newly arrival from Palermo, midfielder Franco Brienza, sending long range shots. Yet, one player was not enough for Siena to equalize the match.  First half ends in 1 - 0

In the 76th minute, a team combination starting from Ludovic Giuly dribbling passing two Siena players in the penalty area. Giuly shoots and Campagnolo this time was alert saving the ball. Yet, on the rebound AMANTINO MANCINI shoots the ball from close range!  It is goal, a valuable one giving Roma the coveted 3 points!!!  

AS ROMA 2 - 0 REGGINA

The SCUDETTO Race is on.  Let's see what happens tomorrow with Catania - Inter.  If Inter loses the match, there will be only 5 points difference with Roma.

LINEUPS  

Referee:  Banti (Livorno)
Assistants: Cini and Ghiandai
Fourth Official:   Velotto

SCORERS: 21' Christian Panucci, 76' Amantino Mancini

AS ROMA (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Doni;
Defenders: Christian Panucci, Philippe Mexes, Ludovic Giuly (83' Perrotta), Cicinho;
Midfielders:  Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Aquilani; Taddei (65' Tonetto), Cassetti, Mancini;
Forward: Francesco Totti (75' Vucinic).

Coach: Luciano Spalletti.

REGGINA (4-4-1-1):

Goalkeeper: Campagnolo;
Defenders: Lanzaro, Valdez, Aronica, Modesto;
Midfielders: Missiroli, Tognozzi (77' Cozza), Barreto, Vigiani (52' Amoruso);
Forwards: Brienza; Ceravolo (46' Makinwa). 

Coach: Renzo Ulivieri.

Booked: Alberto Aquilani 26' (Roma), Cicinho 62' (Roma), Valdez 75' (Reggina)