This week Parma continued their string of successes, dismantling a reeling Sassuolo team 3-1, though the victory was not entirely unexpected.
The Nervoverdi sits dead last in the tables with two points, having won no games – highlighted by a 7-0 beat down, administered by Inter.
If Sassuolo was looking for any relief from Parma, they were sorely disappointed.
Parma is fresh off of a turnaround, defeating Atalanta and then getting a tie against Fiorentina to begin their steady climb up the table.
Scoring kicked off in minute 32, as Parma striker Raffaele Palladino (starting in place of the suspended Amauri) headed the ball in from a delightful cross from Antonio Cassano. But Sassuolo displayed fight, evening the score on a penalty kick just before halftime that also saw Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante sent off with a red card. After the red card, Palladino came off to allow backup goalkeeper Pavol Bajza onto the field.
Come the second half, things stayed even for some time. Sassuolo looked a team determined, the prospect of winning their first game in reach, and created several opportunities. However, eventually Parma became too much for the recently promoted team to handle. Substitute Aleandro Rosi would score Parma’a second goal at the 70-minute mark, with another header from an Antonio Cassano cross.
To add insult to injury, Parma would score again a mere six minutes later. This time, Cassano scored a goal of his own – grabbing hold of Walter Gargano’s free kick to drive home the ball into the net. Once Cassano scored the third goal, the wind went out of Sassuolo’s sails. The game was beyond their reach and the players knew it.
Sunday’s game was also quite foul heavy. In addition to Mirante’s red card, Aleandro Rossi, Afriyie Acquah and Walter Gargano of Parma all received yellow cards. Three of Sassuolo’s men also received yellow cards, bringing the total number of players carded to seven.
Strangely enough, for seemingly dismantling Sassuolo according to the score sheet, Parma actually trailed Sassuolo in most statistical areas. Parma managed 10 shots – three on target, whilst Sassuolo managed 16 and seven on target. In possession, Sassuolo kept 54% to Parma’s 46%. Sassuolo also had more corner kicks and less offside calls.
So, what allowed Parma to win the game despite lacking several advantages? The Crociati have begun to score goals. Unlike earlier in the season where Parma’s offense seemed almost nonexistent, they have begun to score goals en mass now. If Parma can keep up their goal production, they will be in good shape for the rest of the season. Currently, Parma sits at 10 in the tables – the same position they held at the end of last season.
Four weeks ago, the prospects of Parma improved on last year seemed quite bleak. Now, such a possibility isn’t far out of reach.
Next up, Parma has a winnable game with Hellas Verona before taking on AC Milan at home. Even if Parma lose to AC Milan, a win against Hellas Verona would go a long way to keeping Parma in the race for improving on last season. Several clubs in Serie A seem to be in down years. If Parma can capitalize on that, anything is possible.
