Cesena overcame Parma 1-0 at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi on Sunday night.
The only goal of the game came through Spaniard Alejandro Rodriguez who nodded past Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante, gifting the Cavallucci Marini a win in their opening game of the 2014/2015 Serie A season.
Cesena had the chance to put themselves ahead early on when the ball found Manuel Coppola on the edge of the box, but the former Siena man blazed his shot over the bar.
Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante could’ve cost his side minutes later when he spilled a cross coming in from the left-hand side, however he managed to cover for his error – keeping the score at 0-0.
The hosts took the lead six minutes before half time when Alejandro Rodriguez latched onto Franco Brineza’s cross to nod the ball into the net.
The Serie A newcomers could’ve doubled their lead seconds after the restart when Brienza unleashed a stinging strike, however Mirante managed to tip it over the bar.
Rodriguez was once again at the centre of danger when he wriggled past the Crociati defence before unleashing a powerful shot which was handled by Mirante.
Parma could’ve made it 1-1 near the hour mark when Afriyie Acquah darted down the right-hand side but his cross was cleared away by Stefano Lucchini.
The Gialloblu’s attacking onslaught continued, this time new signing Ishak Belfoldil’s swift turn and shot went inches over the bar.
Pierpaolo Bisoli’s men were very close to adding a second goal five minutes from time when Emmanuel Cascione hit a thumping half-volley which was parried away by Mirante, and Alejandro Rodriguez’s header from the follow through went centimetres wide of the far post.
The Ducali had a chance of their own to equalise when Amauri’s acrobatic volley went wide of Nicola Leali’s post.
Parma skipper Alessandro Lucarelli should’ve tied the game one minute into injury time when he was left in a one-on-one position with Leali, however the latter did really well to stop the defender.
