Roma ended AC Milan's four-match Serie A winning streak with a thumping victory at the Stadio Olimpico this evening.
Early on there were chances for both sides with Stephan El Shaarawy and Pablo Osvaldo going close at either end.
The hosts took the lead in the 13th minute after a period of sustained pressure when Nicolas Burdisso rose highest to nod home Federico Balzaretti's corner.
The lead was doubled midway through the opening half when Francesco Totti picked out Osvaldo to head past Marco Amelia from five yards.
It was three before the half-hour mark when Erik Lamela netted his first by collecting a pass from Daniele de Rossi and lashing home.
Soon into the second half it should have been four when Totti missed the target but the hosts wouldn't have to wait long for another as Lamela headed in his second on the hour mark.
Roma invited pressure after this and Kevin-Prince Boateng smacked a post before Roma's Marquinhos was shown red for deliberately handling the ball.
This gave Milan the impetus to push for a consolation and they got two late on as, first, Giampaolo Pazzini scored a penalty after being felled before Bojan Krkic tucked home a rebound with moments to play.
Roma's four goals saw them overtake Juventus to become the most potent attacking force in the league this year.
Three points for the capital side see them move five points clear of Milan and within two of Napoli in fifth place.
Pascal Lemesre
