The result, which saw Roma set a new half-season record in Serie A of 42 points from 17 matches, kept them ahead of title-holders Juventus and AC Milan, who share second place following wins against Siena and Brescia respectively.

Reigning champions Juventus overcame Siena 4-2 in snowy Turin where Alessandro Del Piero netted two penalties on his way to a hat-trick, while veteran defender Guiseppe Pancaro headed an 81st minute winner as Milan, who have a game in hand on Roma, won 1-0 at Brescia.

Totti's 61st minute diving header was followed by a splendid individual effort as Roma's skipper almost single-handedly rescued his side at the Olympic stadium after they had struggled to shake off a spirited Sampdoria.

Fabio Bazzani put the visitors ahead with his eighth goal of the season before John Carew equalised for Fabio Capello's championship-chasers with a towering header.

Totti's feat was outdone by his Italy team-mate Alessandro Del Piero, who was back to his best with three goals at the Delle Alpi stadium.

French striker David Trezeguet completed the scoring for Juve, while Nicola Ventola netted twice for Siena, yet to win away from home this season.

Relegation-threatened Empoli provided the biggest shock of the day, winning 1-0 against Inter Milan at the San Siro where Tommaso Rocchi netted the winner in second-half stoppage time.

Defeat for Inter, their fourth of the campaign, left them 11 points off the pace.

Perugia are still looking for their first victory of the season after being held 0-0 away to bottom club Ancona.

Bologna continued to climb the table after defeating Chievo 3-1 for their third successive victory, while Lecce won away to southern rivals Reggina by the same scoreline to boost their survival hopes.

In Saturday's action, Lazio's joy at finding relief from their financial turmoil was cut short when lowly Modena fought back to claim a 1-1 home draw against the debt-ridden Rome giants.