Roma punish Parma's slack defending

ROME, Italy -- AS Roma made the most of some dreadful defending by Parma to collect a 4-0 home win which sent them within six points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who visit Napoli on Sunday.

AC Milan missed the chance to move back into the top four and a Champions League qualification place as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Lazio.

Roma went in front after 27 minutes when Parma goalkeeper Luca Bucci feebly pushed Max Tonetto's cross out to Alberto Aquilani, who prodded it straight back over the keeper's head.

Six minutes after the interval another prize blunder by Parma gifted Roma with their second goal.

Tonetto attempted to find Christian Panucci with a deep cross but Parma captain Giulio Falcone tried to make an acrobatic clearance and merely succeeded in kicking the ball against his own knee, whence it flew past the hapless Bucci.

Parma appeared unfortunate to have an effort from Paolo Castellini ruled out for handball before Francesco Totti fired in Roma's third after 80 minutes, after being set up by substitute Mauro Esposito's backheeled pass.

Deep into stoppage time Damiano Zenoni headed Cicinho's cross straight to Roma substitute Mirko Vucinic who gratefully accepted the close-range chance

At the San Siro, Milan omitted Kaka and Andrea Pirlo with their thoughts on Tuesday's Champions League second round, second leg clash against Arsenal.

The reigning European champions were unimpressive against mid-table opponents.

Lazio took the lead nine minutes after half-time as former Manchester City forward Rolando Bianchi turned home a cross from Tommaso Rocchi from close range.

Milan were fortunate when they were awarded a penalty after Georgia defender Kakha Kaladze slumped theatrically at a corner and Massimo Oddo fired home the spot-kick.

Even though Lazio had Lorenzo de Silvestri sent off six minutes from time Milan needed Australian keeper Zeljko Kalac to save well from Rocchi and Goran Pandev to preserve their point.

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