Serie A
Parma 0-1 Cagliari: Romano's late strike hands visitors opening-day win
Alessandro Romano's 79th-minute winner secured a 1-0 victory for Cagliari against Parma at Stadio Ennio Tardini in their Serie A opener.
Cagliari started their Serie A campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Parma at Stadio Ennio Tardini, thanks to a late goal from Alessandro Romano. The result leaves Parma rooted to the bottom of the table after Matchday 1, while Cagliari sit in third place with three points.
The hosts, playing under Carlos Cuesta in a 4-3-3 formation, dominated possession but struggled to break down a compact Cagliari side organised by Fabio Pisacane in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Parma's efforts were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute defensive block, and the first half ended goalless.
Cagliari, content to sit deep and hit on the counter, looked dangerous through their transitions. Despite Parma's territorial dominance, it was the visitors who created the clearer chances in the opening 45 minutes.
The deadlock was broken in the 79th minute when substitute Alessandro Romano found the back of the net, converting a well-worked move that began with a clever touch from Matteo Adopo. The assist split Parma's defence, and Romano finished with composure past the goalkeeper.
Parma threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Cagliari's defence, marshalled by their back four, held firm. The home crowd grew frustrated as chances went begging in stoppage time.
Early in the match, Cagliari's J. Pedro picked up a booking in the 10th minute for a reckless challenge, and J. Fazzini followed suit in the 58th minute after tripping a forward. Both yellow cards did little to disrupt Cagliari's disciplined shape.
Referee Daniele Perenzoni kept a tight rein on proceedings throughout, with few contentious decisions. The match ended with Cagliari celebrating a hard-fought away win, while Parma must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.
The victory lifts Cagliari to third in the Serie A table, while Parma remain bottom with zero points after their opening outing.