Italian striker makes first appearance of the season.
With Mattia Destro marking his return to action with the winning goal against Fiorentina on Sunday, Roma ended a run of four consecutive draws to keep up the pressure on Serie A leaders Juventus.
The Italian international had not played since the European Under-21 Championship in June, with his last goal for the Giallorossi coming back in May.
As a result, the wild scenes of celebration after his strike which ultimately secured all three points for the capital club were most welcome as the Scudetto race threatens to become a two-horse race.
“The only thing that mattered to me was getting back on to the field, as I really couldn’t take it anymore,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“To score a goal as well was just wonderful. I was out for such a long time, but it’s all behind me now and I am back.”
Victory ensures that Rudi Garcia’s side remain unbeaten so far this season, and moved back to being three points behind leaders Juventus who are on a seven-game winning streak whilst also keeping seven straight clean sheets.
The latest victims for the Bianconeri were Bologna on Friday night, as they geared up for their decisive Champions League clash with Galatasaray in the best possible way.
Nevertheless, in terms of their domestic outlook, the Turin giants appear to be finding their stride and look as dominant as ever, but it remains to be seen what impact their European journey has moving forward.
Elsewhere, Mario Balotelli rescued AC Milan as his stunning free-kick grabbed a draw at Livorno, with the Rossoneri left disappointed after a mini-resurgence had suggested that they had turned the corner.
However, the draw leaves them in ninth place and 14 points behind Napoli who were also held at the weekend, as Rafa Benitez faces growing criticism after his side’s 3-3 draw at home against Udinese.
Both teams also face decisive Champions League games this week, but their Serie A struggles have ensured that there are tense atmospheres around the clubs which may hinder them in their bid to progress to the knock-out stages.
Inter Milan were also amongst the clubs to be held to a high-scoring draw following their 3-3 draw with Parma on Sunday night at San Siro.
However, the pressure is perhaps being most felt by Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic who saw his side slip to 12th place after their defeat to Torino.
Speculation is rife that his time in the capital may come to an end sooner rather than later, with the newspapers suggesting that Lazio president Claudio Lotito has already begun assessing his options.
Serie A Results:
Bologna 0-2 Juventus
Livorno 2-2 AC Milan
Napoli 3-3 Udinese
Roma 2-1 Fiorentina
Cagliari 2-1 Genoa
Torino 1-0 Lazio
Verona 2-1 Atalanta
Sampdoria 2-0 Catania
Sassuolo 0-1 Chievo
Inter 3-3 Parma
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