Serie A, Sassuolo-Parma 1-1

Milan, 3 January (LaPresse) – Sassuolo and Parma drew 1-1 in the Emilia derby on matchday 18 of Serie A. Another misstep for Fabio Grosso’s Neroverdi, who have now drawn three of their last four matches. Their 23 points in the standings keep Sassuolo safe from the quicksand of the relegation zone, but distance them from European dreams. On the other hand, it was a valuable point for Cuesta’s Parma in terms of survival. The Ducali are level with Cagliari on 18 points, six ahead of Verona and Pisa, who are third from bottom. The first half at the Mapei Stadium was very entertaining and played at a good pace. It was a match with constant twists and turns. Sassuolo broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a fine header from Thorstvedt following a cross from the right by Walukiewicz. The Ducali equalised in the 24th minute through the usual suspect, Pellegrino, who did well to win a loose ball in the final third (following an error by Pinamonti) and beat Muric with a powerful and precise left-footed shot from the edge of the area. In between, there were several important chances, notably one for Pinamonti on one side and Valenti on the other. In the second half, the pace slowed down, with Sassuolo controlling the game and dictating play, while Parma defended and tried to hit on the counter. There were few chances to report on either side, and in the end, the draw was the fairest result.