Radja Nainggolan's first goal for Roma has given his side a 1-0 victory over Bologna away from home in Serie A.

There was an edgy start to the game but it opened up on eight minutes when Bologna had a great chance.

Rolando Bianchi did really well to chest down a ball from the back before trying to lob Morgan de Sanctis on the turn, but the goalkeeper recovered to hold on.

Roma started to get back on top of the game and Mattia Destro was guilty of spurning a good chance. He was found by Gervinho, but despite beating the goalkeeper, he saw his drive skid past the far post having bounced off the other one and across the line.

It became all about the midfield battle which neither side were winning, although just before the break Roma did manage to get themselves ahead.

Nainggolan scored his first goal for the capital side, but Miralem Pjanic gets a lot of credit for spinning a cross from inside the box which left his teammate with an easy finish.

The hosts were far from out of the contest and midway through the second half they could easily have been level. Andrea Mantovani rose highest to meet a corner, but he planted his header narrowly wide of the post.

Davide Moscardelli then headed the ball to Ibson, but the Brazilian was just beaten to the ball by De Sanctis and the away side held on for the win, which put them six points behind leaders Juventus.