Parma secure mathematical safety on Matchday 34 while Pisa edge closer to relegation after another missed opportunity
Parma clinched their place in Serie A for next season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Pisa at the Stadio Tardini. On Matchday 34, Carlos Cuesta’s side crossed the 40-point mark thanks to a decisive late goal from Nesta Elphege, securing survival with two games to spare.
For Pisa, however, the defeat all but confirms their return to Serie B after just one season, as their tally remains stuck at 18 points.
The visitors actually started brighter and nearly stunned Parma early on. Inside six minutes, Vural came inches away from scoring after a chaotic sequence in the box, but Parma goalkeeper Suzuki produced a crucial save. The Ducali responded quickly, with Keita testing Semper just moments later.
Pisa continued to push and created the better chances in the first half. Akinsanmiro struck the post in the 29th minute, while Stojilkovic hit the woodwork again right before halftime after finding himself one-on-one with Suzuki. Despite their attacking intent, the Nerazzurri lacked the clinical edge needed to convert their opportunities.
Parma emerged with more urgency in the second half but struggled to break down Pisa’s defense. Nicolussi Caviglia tried his luck from distance early on, but his effort was blocked. Pisa still threatened, coming close again in the 76th minute through Meister and Moreo, both unable to find the net.
Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, Elphege stepped up once again. In the 82nd minute, the French forward reacted quickest to a deflected cross from Sorensen, controlled the ball, and finished with a sharp turn to score his second consecutive goal—this time one that secured Parma’s Serie A status.
Parma nearly doubled their lead late on through Valeri, but ultimately managed the closing minutes with composure to seal a crucial victory.
The result lifts Parma to 42 points and confirms their safety, marking an important milestone in their season. Pisa, meanwhile, are left to reflect on missed chances in a match that summed up their campaign—competitive, but ultimately ineffective.
Match Report
Parma 1-0 Pisa
Scorer: 82’ Elphege
Parma (3-5-2): Suzuki; Troilo, Circati, Ndiaye; Delprato (81’ Almqvist), Bernabé (78’ Sorensen), Keita (65’ Ordonez), Nicolussi Caviglia (78’ Estevez), Valeri; Strefezza (66’ Elphege), Pellegrino.
Head Coach: Cuesta
Pisa (3-5-2): Semper; Canestrelli, Caracciolo, Bozhinov (81’ Lorran); Leris (65’ Touré), Akinsanmiro (81’ Cuadrado), Aebischer, Vural (46’ Piccinini), Angori; Moreo, Stojilkovic (65’ Meister).
Head Coach: Hiljemark
Referee: Calzavara
Bookings: Canestrelli, Vural, Ndiaye
Red Cards: None
