Analysis The numbers behind the result
Cagliari edge Parma in tight contest decided by efficiency
The result was fair, with Cagliari marginally outperforming Parma in both expected goals (0.74 vs 0.76) and clinical finishing, securing a narrow 1-0 victory. Despite near-even possession (51% vs 49%) and identical total shots (9 each), Cagliari created higher-quality chances, evidenced by their six shots inside the box compared to Parma’s four. Alessandro Romano’s decisive strike in the 79th minute, assisted by Michel Adopo, proved the difference.
Parma struggled to convert their opportunities, managing only two shots on target from nine attempts, while Cagliari tested the goalkeeper three times, including Romano’s goal. Both sides mirrored each other in corners (1 each) and passing accuracy (Cagliari 89% vs Parma 86%), but Cagliari’s defensive discipline, committing 13 fouls to Parma’s four, disrupted Parma’s rhythm.
The key stat telling the story is Cagliari’s shot efficiency: despite identical total shots, they converted their best chance, while Parma failed to capitalize on theirs.