Erik Lamela stunner sends Roma fifth

A much-changed Roma side proved too strong for Torino in Serie A this afternoon thanks to a superb strike from Erik Lamela.

Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli decided to rest Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi for the trip to Turin but the visitors started strongly and took the lead after 22 minutes.

Pablo Osvaldo got the opener to mark his return to the starting XI with his first goal since January.

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The forward climbed highest at the far post to send a looping corner from Federico Balzaretti into the top corner.

Torino responded strongly and soon levelled through Rolando Bianchi, who got his second goal in as many games with a powerful strike from close range.

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Alessio Cerci went agonisingly close to giving the home side the lead early in the second half, but his free kick was tipped onto the woodwork by Maarten Stekelenburg.

A few minutes later Roma caught Torino cold to score the winning goal through Lamela, who cut inside before sending a brilliant curling strike from distance into the far corner.

Roma were forced to see out the last 12 minutes with 10 men as Balzaretti was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The home side pushed for an equaliser but Roma held on to move above city rivals Lazio and Inter Milan into fifth place.