A rocket shot from Francesco Totti gave holders AS Roma a 1-0 home win over Catania in their Coppa Italia semi-final first leg this evening. Inter and Lazio lated featured in a goalless draw.
The Roma captain blasted in from 30 metres following Mancini's run and pass in the 47th minute.
With the Serie A title race taking priority, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti picked several reserves but they still dominated and will be frustrated not to have taken a bigger lead ahead of the second leg in Sicily on May 7.
Totti, Ludovic Giuly and Cicinho went close to increasing the advantage while Serie A strugglers Catania barely threatened in Walter Zenga's third game in charge.
Meanwhile Serie A leaders Inter, who have met Roma in the last
three finals, hosted Lazio in their semi-final first leg later today. They drew 0-0.