Serie A, Round 38: Parma snatch final Europa League spot from Torino

Duván Zapata, in his sixth Serie A start, bagged the next two. Despite Verona still being in contention for the last Europa League spot, the visitors looked as though they’d barely turned up. Again, it was Mertens providing the assist. Duván had ample space to take his shot, giving Napoli a 2-0 lead with less than fifteen minutes played.

And that goal meant Napoli beat last season’s tally of 73 goals in the league. In case there are still lots of Rafa Benítez doubters out there.

Before long, Torino had drawn level, only for Fiorentina to peg them back again. The Tardini erupted with a great cheer, and did so again seconds later when Amauri had put Biabiany’s cross into the back of the net at the second time of asking. With Parma in total control and two goals up, attention turned back to the Artemio Franchi where suddenly Jasmin Kurtić had fired Torino level. One more for the granata, and all of Parma’s hard work was for nothing.

With just seconds left, news filtered through that Torino had been awarded a penalty. The Tardini fell deathly silent as they waited to hear their miserable fate confirmed. Then, another massive cheer; Rosati having incredibly saved the penalty in Florence. In the most incredible manner imaginable, Parma had confirmed their place in the Europa League.

Fortunately, though they’re on a bad run of form at the moment -- winning only two of their last ten in Serie A -- their final day opponents are bottom club Livorno. Their relegation fate has already been sealed, and they now have nothing other than pride to play for -- though, given they’ve not won in a couple of months, there’s not even much of that at stake here.

Parma injuries and suspensions

Who says Serie A is boring? Sure, the champions were decided long ago, although Juventus only clinched the scudetto on May 6. Roma and Napoli already sewed up Champions League qualification, Fiorentina and Inter know they’re going to Europa League. And last week, Livorno, Catania and Bologna were all relegated when Chievo beat Cagliari.

But!