Mattia Destro's header has given Roma a 1-0 lead going into half time of their Serie A match against Sampdoria.

It was a positive start for both teams, with Destro firing straight at Samp goalkeeper Junior da Costa and Manolo Gabbiadini driving over the bar early on.

Gervinho came close to giving Roma the lead when he got in behind the Sampdoria defence and lifted the ball over the top of Da Costa, only for Daniele Gastaldello to clear off the line.

The opportunity gave the hosts confidence, with Miralem Pjanic dragging a shot just wide before setting up Maicon, but the Brazilian's effort was well blocked.

Radja Nainggolan was the next to have an effort from long range fly over the bar, before Kevin Strootman wasted a golden chance to put his side in front.

Destro eventually broke the deadlock when he rose highest to head home Pjanic's ball into the box.