Daniele De Rossi scored the only goal of the game against nine-man Catania on Tuesday night to put Roma into the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Following a goalless opening half at the Stadio Olimpico, the Italy international struck in the 74th minute - two minutes after visiting defender Blazej Augustyn had been sent off for a second booking.Augustyn joined team-mate Giuseppe Bellusci in the changing rooms, the latter having been given his marching orders shortly before the hour mark.Catania struggled against a dominant Roma from start to finish but the hosts wasted a hatful of chances until De Rossi came to the rescue.

The Giallorossi went into the game inspired by their 2-1 win at Juventus at the weekend but having to do without injured strikers Francesco Totti and Luca Toni.Marco Motta, who has been strongly linked with a loan move to Manchester City, was included in Roma's starting line-up and had the first opportunity of the game early on. His right-footed strike from the edge of the area was deflected for a corner.Shortly after, Stefano Okaka latched onto De Rossi's indirect free-kick but his header went wide. At the other end, Mariano Izco twice fired high and wide from long range.

On the stroke of half-time, De Rossi almost put Roma ahead but, having surged inside the area, he fired his right-footed effort inches wide of the near post.Shortly after the restart, Okaka should have broken the deadlock but his 20-yard effort from an angle went wide of the far post.

Bellusci was dismissed before, on the hour mark, Catania goalkeeper Andrea Campagnaro made a fine save with his foot from De Rossi's powerful free-kick.Augustyn's sending-off proved a hammer blow for the visitors, who soon fell behind. Okaka set up De Rossi at the edge of the area and the midfielder's right-footed strike beat Campagnolo.Roma almost extended their lead deep in injury time but Christian Terlizzi made a goal-line clearance from Simone Perrotta's close-range strike.

Roma will face the winner of tomorrow's tie between AC Milan and Udinese in the two-legged semi-final next month and coach Claudio Ranieri could not hide his delight after the game."We knew that Catania would defend deeply and try to hit us on counter-attacks,'' he said. "We didn't make the most of our chances but the important thing was to advance. I am very happy.''