Goals: Tonetto 36', Panucci 63' - Giovinco 50'

Ten-man AS Roma kept their title chase alive with a vital 2-1 victory over lowly Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Things looked bad for the Romans midway through the second half with the score at 1-1 and Simone Perrotta dismissed but a goal from veteran defender Cristian Panucci sealed the three points.

Roma are now just four points behind leaders Inter who host Juventus in the 'Derby of Italy' later on Saturday.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti praised his side for their resilience when down to 10 men.

"It was a great reaction on a heavy pitch with a numerical disadvantage," he said.

"In 300 matches as a coach I've never yet had an easy one. Empoli are a good team with young players."

On loan Juventus youngster Sebastian Giovinco was a constant thorn in Roma's side. He should have put the visitors ahead on 13 minutes when he burst through into the area but he smashed his shot straight at Brazilian goalkeeper Doni, who deflected the ball over the bar.

On 33 minutes he came even closer to giving plucky Empoli the lead with a long range strike that had Doni rooted to the spot but which cannoned back off the post and away to safety.

Two minutes later Empoli paid the price for their profligacy as Roma took the lead. Captain and talisman Francesco Totti set Max Tonetto running into the box with a clever back-heel and the left-back kept his cool to finish at the near post.

But five minutes after the break Giovinco finally got the goal his performance deserved as he latched onto a cross from the marauding Ignazio Abate to slot home.

Things got worse for Roma as Perrotta was shown a straight red card for tripping Felice Piccolo.

But on 63 minutes the 10 men took the lead as Panucci headed home a free-kick from the left from Chile international David Pizarro.

Roma: Doni; Cassetti, Panucci, Ferrari, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro (Brighi 77'); Giuly (Vucinic 54'), Perrotta, Mancini (Taddei 66'), Totti.

Empoli: Bassi; Raggi (Volpato 72'), Marzoratti, Piccolo, Antonini; Busce, Abate, Marchisio (Moro 51'), Budel (Giacomazzi 81'); Vannucchi; Giovinco.