Roma put the controversial recent departure of Antonio Cassano behind them by picking up a vital three points at rock-bottom Treviso to re-ignite their push for a UEFA Cup place.

It has been a trying week for the Eternal City club following the sale of Italy international Cassano to Real Madrid, but Alberto Aquilani struck the only goal of Sunday's game to lift their spirits.

An inconsistent first half of the campaign has left Roma out of the running for a place in next season's Champions League but this victory should give them belief they can finish in the top seven.

Luciano Spalletti's side have now taken 27 points from 18 league games and the victory at Omobono Tenni was their fourth maximum-point haul away from home this season.

Struggling Treviso, who gave a good account of themselves against the Giallorossi, remain deep in the relegation mire having won just two games in Serie A.

They remain rooted to the foot of the league table and will have to start picking up points quickly to avoid falling too far adrift of their main rivals.

Having scored just 10 league goals all season, all Treviso eyes were on striker Marco Borriello, who signed on loan from Sampdoria during the winter break.

But the 23-year-old was unable to break down an experienced defence that included the likes of Cristian Chivu, Philippe Mexes and Christian Panucci.

Treviso created the first chance of the match after 19 minutes but Antonio Filippini was unable to convert a cross from his twin brother Emanuele.

Simone Perotta led the way as Roma battled their way back into the game and was unlucky to see his goal-bound strike well saved by Treviso goalkeeper Adriano Zancope in the 24th minute.

The Italy international then skimmed the post with a powerful drive six minutes later before the home defence eventually buckled under increasing pressure.

Francesco Totti, who led the line on his own in the absence of Vincenzo Montella and Shabani Nonda, sent in a dangerous 36th-minute free-kick which was dispatched into the back of the net by the right boot of Aquilani.

A long-range effort from Francesco Parravicini brushed the post on the hour mark as Treviso rallied after the break and Da Silva Pinga was unlucky to see his dangerous cross diverted wide by Roma keeper Alexander Doni.

Chivu was then forced to clear a fine strike from Emanuele Filippini off his goal-line as the hosts cranked up the pressure but the Giallorossi's solid defence would not be breached.

Perotta and Totti both saw late efforts drift off target as the visitors went in search of a killer second goal but it was not needed as Treviso tired in the closing stages of the match.