A brave Cagliari side gave Carlos Cuesta’s side a taste of their own medicine as they ended Parma’s winless run tonight – but the hosts pulled a point back with seven minutes left when Gaetano Oristanio equalized after Michael Florencio’s opener.
It was a frustrating night for Parma, who came into this game after beating Milan at the San Siro with real ambitions of extending their winning streak. Cagliari, however, had other ideas and produced a disciplined and determined performance that deserved at least a share of the spoils.
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The first half was evenly matched, with both sides creating a few chances, but neither goalkeeper was truly tested. Parma’s Matteo Pellegrino was active throughout the game. A sharp shot in the penalty area in the 39th minute forced Elia Caprile to make a wonderful save, while Cagliari’s Marco Palestra and Sebastiano Esposito both posed threats in the counterattack, but failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Parma 1-1 Cagliari – chaotic second half, goals from Florenso and Oristanio
PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 27: Parma’s Emanuele Valeri competes for the ball with Cagliari’s Ze Pedro during the Serie A match between Parma 1913 and Cagliari on February 27, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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Cuesta made changes at half-time, bringing on Gaetano Oristagno and Hans Nicolusi Cavilla in an attempt to turn things around, but it was Cagliari who struck first.
In the 63rd minute, substitute Michael Florencio, who had only come on two minutes earlier, made a real difference. He received the ball outside the penalty area and fired a thunderous shot into the top left corner, leaving Eduardo Colvi with no chance at all. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.
Parma’s bid for an equalizer was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Oristanio saved a loose ball in the penalty area and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner, sparking jubilant scenes from the home fans.
Both sides were in contention for victory in the closing stages, with further injuries to Esposito and Emanuele Valery adding to the disruption, but neither side could find a decisive moment.
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Well, a point apiece for both sides, and while Parma will reflect on their missed chances, Cagliari will take huge encouragement from a display of real character away from home.
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