Roma saw their faint Serie A title hopes take a major blow as they were held to a goalless draw by struggling Parma this afternoon.

The hosts dominated from the start and Gervinho saw a shot blocked before Daniele De Rossi fired over the bar when well placed.

Adem Ljajic had a great chance to give Roma the lead midway through the first half, but his close-range effort was blocked by a last-ditch Alessandro Lucarelli challenge.

Ljajic threatened again soon after with a strike from just outside the box that flew over the bar.

Parma felt that they should have been given a penalty on the half-hour mark when Antonio Nocerino was barged in the back by Kostas Manolas, but the referee waved away their appeals.

The dangerous Ljajic drilled another effort into the side-netting, while Seydou Keita saw a header saved as Parma survived unscathed until the break.

Roma maintained their control of the match following the interval, with Gervinho forcing Antonio Mirante to palm away his stringing drive.

Radja Nainggolan then drilled a long-range effort just wide, before sending a volley off target moments later as the pressure mounted.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Ashley Cole came within inches of scoring for Roma when his header came back off the post.

Cole had another chance to score for the hosts when he was picked out at the back post, only to volley an effort just over the bar.

Despite their constant pressure, Roma were unable to find a way through Parma's organised defence as the game finished in a draw.

It leaves them six points adrift of leaders Juventus, who can open up a nine-point lead with victory over Cesena this evening.