Roma have it all to do at Bologna if they hope to gain ground on league leaders Fiorentina, as they head into half time 1-0 down.
The visitors were quick off the starting blocks and fired a warning shot in the fifth minute, Antonio Rudiger coming close with a drive from 35 yards.
Bologna edged their noses in front eight minutes later when Adam Masina collected Luca Rossettini's corner and rifled the ball home.
The hosts had the chance to move further in front in the 16th minute as Emanuele Giaccherini went for goal from inside the six-yard box, but Wojciech Szczesny was equal to his effort.
Miralem Pjanic missed a pair of late chances to draw Roma level moments before half time as Rudi Garcia side finished the half on the front foot.
