Romano Stuns Parma as Cagliari Steal 1-0 Serie A Opener

Cagliari Steal Victory from Parma’s Grasp in Tense Serie A Opener

The air crackled with anticipation at the Stadio Ennio Tardini but it ended in despair for Parma as Alessandro Romano’s 79th-minute strike handed Cagliari a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory in their Serie A season opener.

Parma’s Early Promise Fades

Crocifisso-Tardini trembled with hope early as Parma pressed high, their 4-3-3 formation squeezing Cagliari into errors. João Pedro’s 10th-minute yellow card for a crude chop on Bernabé set the tempo – this would be fought in the trenches. Yet for all their huffing, the hosts’ 49% possession yielded just 0.76 xG, El Bilal Touré’s looping effort their best first-half moment.

Cagliari Weather the Storm

Fabio Pisacane’s men clung on like shipwreck survivors. Fazzini joined Pedro in the book before the hour for hauling down Keita, yet their 51% possession slowly turned the screw. Michel Adopo grew into the game like a shadow lengthening across the pitch, his 79th-minute through ball carving Parma open. Romano arrived late, coolly slotting past Corvi to silence the curva.

Late Desperation Not Enough

The substitutions told the story – Parma threw on Almqvist, Kouda and Diallo in attack while Cagliari’s Zappa and Borrelli shored things up. Valeri’s 87th-minute cross nearly found Cremaschi’s forehead, but Caprile’s fingertips intervened. When the whistle blew, Cagliari’s away end erupted – this smash-and-grab victory their first opening-day win in five years.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Parma, the bitter taste of missed opportunities. Seven off-target shots tell of a team lacking cutting edge. But for Cagliari, a statement – grinding out wins when not at their best. As the Sardinians celebrate, Carlos Cuesta’s men must regroup fast. In Serie A, margins are knife-edge thin. Just ask the Parma fans trudging into the Emilia-Romagna night.

Key Moments

79′ ⚽ Cagliari — A. Romano (assist: M. Adopo)