Roma rally past Chievo Verona with El Shaarawy and Dzeko goals

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Roma bounced back from their Serie A defeat to Juventus at the weekend by coming from behind to beat Chievo 3-1.

The Giallorossi found themselves trailing to Jonathan de Guzman's header but turned it around either side of half-time through Stephan El Shaarawy and Edin Dzeko goals, with Diego Perotti's late penalty adding some comfort.

With Juve not in action in the league this week, the victory ensured that Roma go into the winter break four points behind their title rivals.

The fact that Luciano Spalletti's men had to come from behind was down to their own wastefulness in front of goal as Radja Nainggolan, Bruno Peres and Dzeko all had good chances to break the deadlock early on.

But it was Chievo who stole into the lead in the 37th minute when De Guzman, who had earlier missed a sitter, atoned when he headed home Mariano Izco's accurate cross.

The visitors could not get into half-time with their lead in tact, though, as El Shaarawy levelled matters when he whipped in a stunning 25-yard free kick in first-half injury time.

And Roma needed just seven minutes after the restart to take the lead as Dzeko bagged his 21st goal of the season as he turned home a loose ball from close range.

The Bosnian international had a number of chances to add to his tally and make Roma's night more comfortable, but he placed an effort wide from a good position inside the penalty area and then Stefano Sorrentino saved another effort with his feet.

There was no way back for Chievo, who lost for the first time in three league games, and Perotti's seventh spot-kick of the season with the last meaningful action sealed it.