ROME (AFP) - Roma´s hopes of reaching the last four of the Italian Cup hang in the balance after they conceded a late goal in a 2-1 quarter-final, first leg win over Parma.

Goals from Mancini and Francesco Totti appeared to have put Roma firmly in control at the Olympic stadium.

But an alarming lapse in concentration in the home defence allowed Bosnian striker Zlatko Dedic to tuck home a valuable away goal for Parma three minutes from time.

In Wednesday´s other first leg tie, defender Luigi Sala netted the only goal as Sampdoria edge Chievo 1-0.

On Thursday AC Milan play at home to second division Arezzo.

In Tuesday´s tie, holders Inter Milan, going for a third straight win in the competition, scored twice in the last 19 minutes to win 2-0 at Empoli.

Brazilian striker Adriano broke the deadlock with a delicate chip before Colombian defender Ivan Cordoba headed in Inter´s second goal.

Mancini put Roma ahead against Parma with a sublime chip from the edge of the 18-yard box in the 19th minute.

The Brazilian winger then supplied the cross which Totti tapped in midway through the second half.

Roma, runners-up for the last two seasons, seemed to have one foot in the semi-finals before Dedic side-footed home Maurizio Ciaramitaro´s right-wing cross in the 87th minute.

The return legs of all four ties take place next week.

Juventus, who are currently residing in Serie B following their relegation for match-fixing, have lifted the Italian Cup the most with nine wins, followed by Roma on seven and Fiorentina on six.