Parma grab vital win at Pisa, survival hopes boosted | OneFootball

The fourteenth matchday of Serie A gives Parma a victory worth much more than three points. With the 1-0 win over Pisa, thanks to the penalty converted by Benedyczak, Cuesta’s team climbs out of the danger zone in the standings, catches up with Cagliari and Torino, and takes a four-point lead over the third-from-bottom Nerazzurri.

Parma, a victory of enormous significance: Pisa beaten and survival hopes revived at the Arena Garibaldi

For Gilardino, on the other hand, it’s a heavy defeat, coming at the end of a nervous and tense match, where effectiveness in front of goal proved to be the real difference-maker.

A tense and fragmented match: the penalty decides everything

The game sparks to life in the 39th minute, when Britschgi’s shot is deflected by Caracciolo’s arm. Parma immediately protests: “It’s a penalty, it’s clear,” can be heard from the Gialloblù bench.

Doveri awards the penalty and Benedyczak makes no mistake, sending Scuffet the wrong way and scoring the decisive 1-0.

Pisa only reacts in the second half, with the introduction of Akinsanmiro bringing intensity and verticality. However, despite increasing pressure, the Tuscan side fails to capitalize. Nzola wastes a huge chance one-on-one with Corvi and, in stoppage time, completely loses control: “Let him go,” his teammates shout, but the striker lashes out with a kick at Keita and receives a straight red card in the 93rd minute. A moment of recklessness that could cost him dearly, considering the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Parma more solid and clinical: Estevez the tactical key, reactive defense

The tactical work of the Ducali was especially evident in their management of space. Estevez consistently alternates between playing as a holding midfielder during build-up play and as an extra center-back when Pisa tries to attack. A mechanism that, combined with the defensive discipline of Delprato and Valenti, almost completely limits Gilardino’s strikers, who are too isolated and not incisive enough.

In the first half, Benedyczak already comes close to scoring in the 12th minute, while Touré is the only one trying to shake up the Nerazzurri. But Parma, even without shining, proves to be more concrete and clear-headed in managing the decisive phases of the match.

The second half: Pisa generous but imprecise, Parma attentive until the end

With the introductions of Leris and Akinsanmiro, the Tuscans try to raise the tempo, while Parma defends in an orderly fashion and looks to counter. Corvi saves two attempts from Nzola, who has an afternoon to forget.

Valeri risks being sent off after a tough challenge, sparking protests from Pisa: “He’s already been booked, that’s a second yellow,” they shout from the stands.

However, Doveri lets play continue, also because VAR cannot intervene on yellow cards.

Tension rises in the final minutes, and Parma closes out the match in control thanks to their defensive structure and ability to read the game’s key moments. Parma climbs to 14 points and secures their third win of the season, a result that could represent a turning point in the fight to stay in Serie A. Gilardino, meanwhile, will need to work on concreteness and balance: the defeat is a heavy blow and raises important questions for the rest of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.