Captain Francesco Totti gave holders Roma a 1-0 home win over Catania in their Italian Cup semi-final first leg.

The one-club striker blasted in from 30 yards following Mancini's run and pass in the 47th minute.

With the Serie A title race taking priority, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti picked several reserves but they still dominated and will be frustrated not to have taken a bigger lead into the second leg in Sicily on May 7.

Totti, Ludovic Giuly and Cicinho went close to increasing the advantage while Serie A strugglers Catania barely threatened in Walter Zenga's third game in charge.

Serie A leaders Internazionale, who have met Roma in the last three finals, host Lazio in their semi-final first leg later on Wednesday.

Reuters