Roma pair handed bans

Roma’s bid to finish in the top four in Serie A suffered a double setback today when midfield pair Simone Perrotta and Daniele de Rossi were both handed three-match bans.

The suspensions – which the Eternal City club will appeal – would rule the duo out for the remainder of the league season, including Saturday’s match against leaders AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico.

Both players were sent off during Sunday’s 3-2 triumph at Bari.

De Rossi was punished for intentionally elbowing Simone Bentivoglio in the head while Perrotta punched Andrea Massiello in the back.

The Giallorossi go into this weekend’s match against Milan trailing fourth-placed Lazio – who hold the final Champions League qualifying spot – by one point.