Roma beat Genoa to close in on third

Rome: AS Roma moved four points behind third-placed Lazio in Serie A`s Champions League qualifying spot after Pablo Osvaldo`s early goal secured a 1-0 win over Genoa on Monday.

City rivals Lazio lost 1-0 at Catania on Sunday as Udinese and Napoli drew 2-2, opening the door for Luis Enrique`s inconsistent sixth-placed side to and make a late dash for third place with 10 games left in the season. Striker Osvaldo, starting in place of the injured Francesco Totti, converted Leandro Greco`s pass after three minutes as Roma dominated at the Stadio Olimpico. Rodrigo Palacio hit the bar for 14th-placed Genoa when it looked easier to score. U.S.-owned Roma, who on Monday signed a deal to train at Disney World during the next pre-season, now have their eyes fixed on the Magic Kingdom of the Champions League having spent big this term building a new team which has not always gelled. Leaders AC Milan and second-placed Juventus look all but assured of automatic entry into Europe`s top club competition next season but Serie A`s race for third spot and the qualifying round berth could go to the wire. Bureau Report