Roma have been denied a draw with Melbourne Heart at MetLife Stadium on Saturday night after a thrilling opening period.

The hosts held the visitors scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the game before goalkeeper Giorgio Chiellini stepped up to deny Marco Materazzi and give Roma a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

The visitors then found the back of the net through Anthony Mabardi, but the visitors were denied a second goal from the penalty spot.

Roma are now four points clear at the top of the A-Liga table.

The A-league table