[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 14 - 2/12/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma 1 - 0 Empoli
Paci 20 (P)
Stadio Ennio Tardini

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Alberto Malesani's Empoli debut was ruined in his old hunting ground at the Stadio Tardini.

Malesani was caught between the familiar and the new as he made his debut on the Empoli bench in a stadium where he worked from 1998-2001. Parma boss Mimmo Di Carlo knew he needed a win today to avoid following Gigi Cagni on to the unemployment register, but was still without Igor Budan, Giuseppe Cardone, Marco Rossi and the suspended Fernando Couto.

Empoli had previously lost all six of their Serie A visits to the Tardini, scoring just once and conceding a whopping 13 goals. Daniele Balli anticipated Andrea Pisanu when a lucky ricochet seemed to set up a good chance for the home side.

The Gialloblu made that 14 within 20 minutes. A controversial corner kick decision went their way and the ball was floated to Massimo Paci for a towering header.

Vittorio Tosto should have done better when Ighli Vannucchi's corner reached him at the back post, then Nicola Pozzi fired over from a Luca Saudati assist.

There was tension on the stroke of half-time, as Pozzi's lob had sailed over Luca Bucci and Parma required a Paci goalling clearance to keep them in front.

After the restart Balli did well to palm away a fierce rising Andrea Gasbarroni angled drive and Pozzi's header skimmed the target.

Paci went for glory when he probably should have left Luca Cigarini's cross for the better placed Andrea Pisanu. Domenico Morfeo returned after a row with Coach Mimmo Di Carlo had threatened to see him sold in January, but he wasted a great chance to score from close range, scuffing the ball.


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Parma: Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Paci, Castellini (Zenoni 77); Morrone, Cigarini; Reginaldo (Matteini 64), Gasbarroni (Morfeo 72), Pisanu; Corradi

Empoli: Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali (Abate 80); Buscè, Giacomazzi (Marianini 65), Moro, Tosto; Vannucchi (Giovinco 71); Pozzi, Saudati

Ref: Romeo

the refs name is interesting