Parma-Empoli 1-0, That’ll do!

By: Francesco | December 3rd, 2007

Parma got back on track on Sunday with a 1-0 win at home vs. struggling Empoli. Alberto Malesani made his return to the Tardini but was surprisingly met with whistles and boos. The goal came from Massimo Paci off of a corner kick. The nice scene of the day was before the game, as Parma and Empoli fans walked together to the stadium as they have a gemellaggio with each other. More on the match after the jump.

Di Carlo started the match fighting for his job and went with the 4-2-3-1, which is now becoming his formation of choice. Bucci is finally starting in net consistently, and the defense consisted of Ferdinand Coly, Massimo Paci, Giulio Falcone, and Paolo Castellini. Castellini went off injured in the 77th and had to be operated on. It is unknown when he’ll be back. Morrone and Cigarini hold the center and Reginaldo, Gasbarroni, and Pisanu supported Corradi, who is know the captain.

The goal came 20 minutes in, when a corner kick from Gasbarroni was played in and Massimo Paci rose up and beat Guillermo Giacomazzi to the ball, nodding it past Daniele Balli in the Empoli net.

Paci then saved a goal as well before halftime. A Pozzi lob sailed over Bucci and what looked like into the net as well, however Paci was there to save a certain goal and keep Parma’s lead.

In the second half Empoli tried to get the draw and Vannucchi was playing well, however Saudati and Pozzi could not finish.

Parma had a few chances, Paci got in the way of a cross that was going to an open Pisanu, and Morfeo made an appearance even though he’s not on good terms and with Di Carlo and missed a chance.

However the 90th minute came, Parma finally didn’t concede a goal, and 3 valuable points went to the Ducali.

Parma are now 14th on 15 points, while Empoli sit dead last on 10 points.

Next up is a trip to Napoli, and they will be looking to win after their 5-1 drubbing in Bergamo.

Parma: Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Paci, Castellini (Zenoni 77); Morrone, Cigarini; Reginaldo (Matteini 64), Gasbarroni (Morfeo 72), Pisanu; Corradi

Empoli: Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali (Abate 80); Buscè, Giacomazzi (Marianini 65), Moro, Tosto; Vannucchi (Giovinco 71); Pozzi, Saudati

RATINGS:

Bucci 6 Didn’t really have to make any big saves.

Falcone 6 Good performance in defense.

Paci 7 Decides the game twice, first he puts Parma ahead, then saves a sure goal.

Castellini 5 Too many errors at the back, got injured and had to come off.

Coly 5 Lots of energy but always made mistakes with the ball.

Zenoni s.v. No vote, came on for Castellini in the 77th.

Cigarini 6.5 Beautiful performance, always secure and punctual.

Gasbarroni 5.5 Takes the corner that leads to the goal, but other than that had a quiet day.

Morfeo 6 He was put on to hold the ball and let the team press forward, does his work.

Morrone 6.5 Excellent ball winning in midfield.

Corradi 6 Just misses the post on one occasion and does a lot of dirty work up top.

Pisanu 6.5 Put the Empoli defense in a lot of difficulty the whole match.

Matteini 6 Came in for an average Reginaldo.

Reginaldo 6 Good start but invisible in the second half. Substitution was justified.

HIGHLIGHTS