Serie A: Roma 0 Chievo 1

Roma’s hopes of European football next term took a blow when they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Chievo on Tuesday.

Cyril Thereau struck in the 90th minute to ensure three points for Chievo, who climbed to 12th place in Serie A with the win, while Roma are clinging on to fifth place and the final Europa League spot – one point ahead of Udinese, who have a game in hand.

Chievo offered precious little in the attacking half for much of the match, and relied on their defence to keep out Roma in an uninspiring affair.

Francesco Totti hit the bar for the hosts early in the second half, while Chievo goalkeeper Christian Puggioni had to be good to keep out a header from Mattia Destro.

But just as it looked like both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils, Thereau made a quick run into the box ahead of Leandro Castan, and volleyed Boukary Drame’s cross home from close range.

Should their league place not be good enough to secure a Europa League spot, Roma can still clinch one by winning the Coppa Italia final against cross-town rivals Lazio on May 26.