AZ Alkmaar made it four home games unbeaten against Italian opponents with a 1-0 victory over AS Roma, to further consolidate their grip on a UEFA Europa League playoff berth.
Defences were most definitely on top in the opening quarter at the AFAS stadium, with neither side able to muster a single shot until the 25 minute when AZ's Sven Mijnans raced through on goal, but his chipped effort was blocked by the recovering Manu Kone.
That chance opened the game up slightly and Artem Dovbyk was next to try his luck from 25 yards, although the Giallorossi’s top scorer barely threatened AZ goalkeeper Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
The hosts ended the half on top and almost capitalized on Evan Ndicka's tame clearance that landed straight at Mexx Meerdink's feet, but the midfielder couldn't hold his composure and lashed high and wide from 10 yards, keeping scores level at half-time.
It was no surprise to see Roma come out after the break with greater energy given that Claudio Ranieri’s outfit have scored four of their last five goals in the second period.
Paulo Dybala was a post's width from adding to that and opening the scoring when his half-volley shaved the crossbar. The visitors continued to move the ball at a good clip but remained bereft of any real bite in the final third, with Angelino's whipped cross into the six-yard box eluding all comers on its way to safety.
Just as the contest seemed to be meandering its way towards a goalless draw, AZ struck a late counter-attacking blow and substitute Troy Parrott was there to slot in his 12th of the season, beating Mile Svilar from David Wolfe's cross.
The Ireland international’s strike secured three points for the Dutch side, extending their unbeaten UEL run to four matches and putting them in control of their qualification destiny on matchday eight.
However, they’d need considerable help from elsewhere to reach the top-eight. Roma were frustrated throughout by AZ’s stubborn defence, placing Ranieri’s men in a precarious position heading into the final round of fixtures.