Francesco Totti failed to inspire Roma to victory against Bologna, but the veteran forward did help secure a 1-1 draw last night which edges his side closer to Champions League qualification.

The Giallorossi, now six points above fourth-placed Inter 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 a response, courtesy 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 headed home Juan Zuniga’s free-kick from the left.

Totti was introduced at the break for just his second Serie A appearance since January but it seemed to do little to change Salah’s luck as he rattled the post for a third time on 47 minutes.

Eventually, on 50 minutes, the Egypt international found the target and Totti was the architect as his through-ball left Salah the easy task of side-footing past Mirante.

Next fixtures

Saturday: 15.00 Bologna vs Torino. 18.00 Carpi vs Genoa. 20.45 Inter vs Napoli.

Sunday: 12.30 Atalanta vs Roma. 15.00 Fiorentina vs Sassuolo; Juventus vs Palermo; Udinese vs Chievo; Verona vs Frosinone. 18.00 Lazio vs Empoli. 20.45 Sampdoria vs Milan.