Andrea Ranocchia equalised late in the first half to ensure Inter Milan went into the break level at 1-1 against Roma.
Francesco Totti was regularly involved in the early stages for the hosts, but he was unable to make a breakthrough with a powerful strike from distance in just the fifth minute.
Roma continued to dominate possession, and the hosts were rewarded with the opening goal when Adem Ljajic collected the ball in space on the right side of the box before crossing for Gervinho, who tapped in from close range.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic should have equalised moments later after latching onto a long ball forward, but his weak effort was not enough to trouble Morgan De Sanctis.
Despite that rare opening for Inter, Roma would finish the first half strongly, and were inches away from doubling the lead when Radja Nainggolan curled over from the edge of the box.
However, the home fans were left disappointed eight minutes before the break when Ranocchia jumped highest to head past a helpless De Sanctis from Kuzmanovic's corner.
Callum Mulvihill
