Parma earned a spot in the Europa League with a 2-0 win at home to relegated Livorno on Sunday. The game at the Tardini itself was fairly unspectacular, with Amauri netting a second half brace in a well-deserved win. However, events at the Artemio Franchi, in which the crociati's fellow European challengers Torino were denied their requisite victory by Fiorentina in remarkable fashion made it a considerably nervier affair.
Parma vs. Livorno: Final score 2-0, Crociati hold on to earn spot in Europa League
A brace from Amauri ensured Parma picked up enough points to capitalise on Torino’s draw with Fiorentina and book their place in the Europa League.
The first half at the Tardini was dominated by Parma, though some determined defending from Livorno ensured that the game remained goalless at the break. It certainly wasn't for the want of Parma's trying, with their front three looking lively throughout, and only some profligate finishing preventing them from settling the early nerves with a goal. Both of the half's two best chances fell to Jonathan Biabiany; the Frenchman first nodding Ezequiel Schelotto's cross over before drilling Antonio Cassano's assist wide from inside the box on the stroke of half time.
Things didn't look much better after the restart, with Roberto Donadoni soon resorting to throwing another striker into the mix in Amauri. It was a move that would pay great dividends. Cassano continued his impressive performance by delivering an inch-perfect corner into the box just past the hour, which Amauri leapt to head into the back of the net. It was a crucial lead for the crociati, and with Torino losing against Fiorentina, it put them into a provisional Europa League spot.
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.
Parma: Mirante (Pavarini 87’); Molinaro, Gobbi, Paletta, Cassani; Parolo, Marchionni (Galloppa 82’), Acquah; Biabiany, Cassano, Schelotto (Amauri 53’).
Goals: Amauri (62’, 80’).
Livorno: Anania (Aldegani 83’); Gemiti, Emerson, Rinaudo, Ceccherini; Duncan, Mosquera, Biagianti; Belfodil (Piccini 62’), Siligardi (Bartolini 69’); Paulinho.
Goals: None.
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