The home side thought they had taken the lead in the opening minutes of the game, when Vryzas latched onto a cross before heading the ball into the Roma net. But the goal was disallowed because the Greek striker was in an off side position.

After that, it was AS Roma that dominated the game, creating a lot of good goalscoring opportunities.

First it was Marco Delvecchio who put the ball over the Perugia crossbar from close range. Then a long range effort by Cafu was tipped away by Perugia keeper Mazzantini, who was in outstanding form throughout the match.

Gabriel Batistuta also came close to giving Roma the lead, but Mazzantini was simply unbeatable.The goalkeeper also saved a seemingly goalbound shot from Tommasi minutes later.

In the second half AS Roma continued to press forward, creating many good chances.

Batistuta got a couple of decent opportunities to find the net, but this simply was not his day. First his header went over the cross bar and later his shot was too weak to threaten the Perugia keeper.

Capello had brought in Montella for the disappointing Delvecchio during the break and it was he who perhaps had the best chances to secure victory for his side.

His first effort was saved by who else but Mazzantini, while his second shot went over the crossbar.

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