Cesena opened their first Serie A campaign since the 2011/12 season at Stadio Dino Manuzzi with a 1-0 over visiting Parma.
In an open game Cesena went in at half time leading after a Alejandro Rodriguez header after a great cross from Francesco Brienza.
Parma pushed hard to find a equaliser but to no avail as the Seahorses held out to take all three points.
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Cesena
Nicola Leali- 6.5 – Dependable
Dealt with everything he was asked of and made a great save in stoppage time from Lucarelli to secure the points.
Daniele Capelli- 6.5 – Tamer
Kept Belfodil out of the game and made some telling forward runs before running out of steam and replaced with 15 minutes left.
Stefano Lucchini- 6.5 – Solid
Part of a very solid looking back four helped by an ineffectual Parma attack.
Massimo Volta- 6.5 – Untroubled
Never had too many problems until the introduction of Amauri, even then limited the opportunities the striker had.
Francesco Renzetti- 6.5 – Oppressor
Particularly in the first half never let Cassani into the game pressing him back and did his defensive duties well.
Manuel Coppla- 6 – Uncreative
Wears the number ten shirt but created little, but did help press the Parma midfield which made them ineffective most of the game.
Giuseppe De Feudis- 6 – Supportive
Worked well in the Cesena midfield controlling the opposition and had a good chanced saved in the first half.
Emmanuel Cascione- 7 – Protector
Often found between his centre backs in the second half helping defend but also used the ball well to create some decent attacking moves all through the game.
Francesco Brienza- 6.5 – Experienced
Assist for the goal and brought some leadership to the midfield and organized then team well before eventually running out of steam and replaced.
Alejandro Rodriguez- 7.5 – Match winner
As well as scoring the match winning goal his work rate and physical presence was a thorn in the Parma side all night. Only blot was his booking in the last five minutes before being replaced with two minutes left.
Guido Marilungo- 7 – Decisive
Working the left flank to great effect in both phases of the game. Defended with enthusiasm but also supported the attack well, his work rate was an inspiration to his team mates.
Substitutes
Luca Garritano – 6 – Solid
Replaced the impressive Brienza and ensured his good work was not wasted.
Gabriele Perico- 6 – Secure
Replaced Capelli for the last five minutes and made sure he played his part in securing the points.
Luka Krajnc – N/A.
Came on for Rodriguez just to see out the last two minutes and shore up the defence.
Parma
Antonio Mirante- 6 – Reliable
When needed dealt with most things apart from palming a shot from Cascione back into trouble.
Mattia Cassani- 5.5 – Ineffectual
Found it hard going both defending and attacking, eventually substituted.
Alesandro Lucarelli- 5 -Mixed
Defended set pieces well but lost Rodriguez for the goal and fluffed his lines at the end when missing a great chance to level the game.
Gabriel Paletta- 6 – Solid
Another solid if unspectacular performance from the Italian International.
Massimo Gobbi- 5.5 – Lost
Like his fellow full-back contributed very little either direction.
Afriyie Acquah- 6.5 -Bright
Parma’s best player on the night with his direct running and high pressing, often alone in good positions without help.
Francesco Lodi- 5.5 -Invisible
Part of a very ineffectual midfield often isolated and contributed very little.
Cristobal Jorquera- 5 – Confused
Looked to be suffering from a change of position.
Jonathan Biabiany- 6 – Faded
Started the game well with his direct running but faded badly second half before being replaced.
Ishak Belfodil- 5 – Lacked quality
Part of a strike force with never threatened or looked like creating a chance.
Raffaele Palladino- 5 – Uneasy
Never looked comfortable and was never involved in the game replaced after 66 minutes.
Substitutes
Amauri- 6 – Tried
The veteran striker made a difference after replacing Palladino, a physical presence that made the Cesena defence work.
Massimo Coda- 5.5 – No difference
Made little impact after replacing the Biabiany for the last 15 minutes.
Stefan Ristovski- N/A
Played the last eight minutes replacing Cassani.