Totti scored twice for Roma's victory

Francesco Totti scored both goals in the 2-0 defeat of UC Sampdoria to take AS Roma to within four points of the Serie A summit after Genoa CFC had edged their encounter with Parma FC 1-0.

Chipped penalty
Roma were missing a number of first-team regulars with Rodrigo Taddei and Alberto Aquilani out injured and Philippe Mexes suspended but Totti, himself looking for match fitness having only recently returned from a foot complaint, revived the Giallorossi's title aspirations with a penalty (17), awarded for a foul on Matteo Ferrari by Stefano Lucchini, which he cheekily chipped in.

Landmark goal
Sampdoria almost equalised three minutes from time when Andrea Caracciolo's volley was superbly repelled by goalkeeper Doni but Totti (89) sealed the match from close range with his 160th Serie A goal. Luciano Spalletti's side lie second on 36 points while FC Internazionale Milano, who face AC Milan on Sunday, lead the Scudetto race with 40. Earlier, Marco Borriello (43) also netted a spot-kick to hand Genoa a narrow win against Parma, whom they leapfrogged by a point to move into eleventh place.