A stunning long-range effort off the bench lights up the Tardini, but former Parma man Oristanio rescues a draw in a tense relegation battle on Matchday 27.
Parma Calcio 1913 and Cagliari Calcio played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Stadio Tardini to open Matchday 27 of Serie A, with both goals arriving in the second half and both goalkeepers delivering standout performances.
The headline belonged to Michael Folorunsho. Returning after two months on the sidelines, the Cagliari midfielder entered in the 61st minute and needed just two minutes to leave his mark. From near the touchline and well over 30 yards out, Folorunsho unleashed a spectacular strike that bent into the far top corner — an absolute golazo that stunned the home crowd and seemed destined to secure three vital points for the Sardinians.
Yet Parma had the final word.
In the 83rd minute, former Cagliari player Gaetano Oristanio capitalized on a defensive miscue at the edge of the box, punishing an errant touch to fire past Elia Caprile for the equalizer. Oristanio, who had come on at halftime, celebrated emphatically — even shushing sections of the visiting support who had jeered him earlier in the match.
Goalkeepers Take Center Stage
Beyond the two goals, this was a match defined by elite goalkeeping.
Parma’s Edoardo Corvi made two crucial saves — one in each half — to deny clear Cagliari chances. At the other end, Caprile was arguably the man of the match despite conceding. His flying stop on Adrián Bernabé’s curling free kick was highlight-reel material, tipping a shot bound for the top corner. He also produced a sensational reaction save on Pellegrino’s left-footed effort.
Neither goalkeeper could be blamed for the goals conceded. Corvi was beaten only by a once-in-a-season strike, while Caprile was left exposed after a defensive lapse allowed Oristanio a clean look.
Tactical Battle, Late Drama
The match unfolded largely as a midfield chess match, with both sides cautious and compact. Clear chances were limited, and the contest often felt like it would be decided by a moment of individual brilliance — which ultimately proved true.
Parma pushed aggressively in the closing stages, even finishing the match with ten men after Enrico Troilo was forced off injured with all substitutions already used. Despite the late pressure, Cagliari held firm to secure a point that keeps their survival hopes alive, though they will regret not closing it out after Folorunsho’s stunner.
A draw ultimately felt fair, but both teams will believe there was an opportunity for more.
Match Report
Parma 1-1 Cagliari
Scorers:
63’ Folorunsho (Cagliari)
83’ Oristanio (Parma)
Parma (3-4-2-1): Corvi; Del Prato (46’ Oristanio), Troilo, Valenti; Britschgi, Bernabé (90’ Cremaschi), Keita (76’ Estevez), Ordoñez (46’ Nicolussi Caviglia); Valeri (89’ Carboni), Strefezza; Pellegrino.
Head Coach: Cuesta
Cagliari (3-4-3): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Dossena, Rodriguez; Obert, Adopo, Liteta, Sulemana (87’ Idrissi); Palestra, Esposito (87’ Pavoletti), Kilicsoy (61’ Folorunsho).
Head Coach: Pisacane
Referee: Massimi
Bookings: Rodriguez (Cagliari), Dossena (Cagliari), Pellegrino (Parma), Sulemana (Cagliari), Valenti (Parma), Obert (Cagliari)
