Red tide as referee’s decision boosts Roma

Can Inter be caught? Just before Christmas when they beat Milan there were few who thought so, but a 0-0 draw against Udinese yesterday cut their lead to five points, providing a glimmer of hope for the chasing group, above all Roma.

Roma’s 1-0 win against Palermo in the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday was one of those easily-forgotten games that can turn out to be decisive come the end of the season.

Roma dominated the first half without creating much, and it was a referee’s decision that turned the game. Leandro Rinaudo fouled Matteo Brighi and referee Christian Brighi (no relation) showed the red card. Two minutes later Amantino Mancini’s header was in the back of the net.