Cagliari's late equalizer snatched a crucial point from Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, as Gaetano Oristanio cancelled out Michael Folorunsho's second-half opener in a hard-fought Serie A draw.
Parma sat 12th in Serie A with 32 points, looking to rebound from recent defeats. Cagliari, 13th with 29 points, aimed to continue their improved form away from home.
The first half at the Stadio Ennio Tardini proved a cagey affair. Both teams were hesitant to commit forward. Cagliari's Juan Rodriguez earned the game's first yellow card in the 21st minute.
As the half wore on, challenges became more frequent. Alberto Dossena of Cagliari was also cautioned in the 40th minute. The teams went into the break with the score locked at 0-0.
With the deadlock unbroken, managers likely delivered spirited half-time team talks. Cagliari made a double substitution at the restart, introducing E. Delprato and C. Ordonez to inject fresh impetus.
The second half saw an increase in bookings. Parma's M. Pellegrino received a yellow card in the 56th minute for roughing. However, it was Cagliari who found the breakthrough.
Cagliari finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. Substitute Michael Folorunsho, recently introduced, fired home to give the visitors the lead. Sebastiano Esposito provided the crucial assist for Folorunsho's effort.
The goal sparked immediate tension. Parma's Lautaro Valenti received a yellow in the 63rd minute. Cagliari's I. Sulemana was also cautioned just two minutes later in the 65th minute.
Parma pushed hard for a response, showing resilience at home. Their efforts paid off in the 83rd minute. Half-time substitute Gaetano Oristanio slotted home the equalizer, electrifying the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
As the game entered its final stages, both teams made further tactical substitutions. Cagliari introduced M. Keita in the 75th minute. Parma brought on I. Sulemana and S. Esposito in the 87th.
A late yellow card for Cagliari's Adam Obert in the 90+4th minute underscored the match's tense conclusion.
Statistical analysis highlighted Parma's attacking intent, registering 15 total shots with 4 on target, and enjoying 55% ball possession. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.16 suggested they created the better chances.
Cagliari, meanwhile, managed 11 total shots, 5 on target, but generated a lower xG of 0.52, indicating fewer clear-cut opportunities.
This dramatic 1-1 draw sees Parma advance to 33 points, remaining 12th in the table. Cagliari also moves to 30 points, holding onto 13th. Both sides continue their fight for mid-table comfort in a competitive Serie A campaign.
