Francesco Totti returns, helps Roma secure draw against Bologna

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:01 am
Francesco Totti came on at half-time for Luciano Spalletti's side.
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Francesco Totti failed to inspire Roma to victory against Bologna, but the veteran forward did help secure a 1-1 draw which edges his side closer to Champions League qualification.

The Giallorossi, now six points above fourth-placed Inter Milan with six games remaining in Serie A, fell behind when Luca Rossettini headed home in the first half.

The introduction of 39-year-old Totti at half-time, though, brought an immediate response, courtesy of the otherwise luckless Mohamed Salah, but there was to be no winning goal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma flew out of the traps, but they -- and Salah -- were twice denied by the woodwork.

The former Chelsea winger headed against an upright from Lucas Digne's cross early on and, on 23 minutes, saw an effort tipped on to a post by Antonio Mirante.

Two minutes later Bologna took a surprise lead courtesy of Rossettini, who pulled away at the far post to head home Juan Zuniga's free-kick from the left.

Totti was introduced at the break for just his second Serie A appearance since January, and his seventh of the season, but it seemed to do little to change Salah's luck as he rattled the woodwork for a third time on 47 minutes.

Eventually, on 50 minutes, the Egypt international found the target and Totti was the architect. The veteran forward's through-ball left Salah the easy task of side-footing past Mirante from 15 yards.

Totti continued to probe for the hosts and stung the palms of Mirante on the hour mark with a 25-yard effort before feeding Salah once more, but he drilled a good chance wide with seven minutes remaining.