Parma 1 : 0 Juventus - Juve stutter at Parma

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Juventus failed to take advantage of Roma's defeat at Catania a 1-0 reverse at Parma saw them remain just outside the Europa League places.

The Bianconeri needed to win at Stadio Ennio Tardini and hope that Roma did not pick up any points if they were to move into the Serie A top six with one round of games to go.

Catania's 2-1 win gave Luigi Del Neri's men the chance to leapfrog their rivals but ex-Juve midfielder Sebastian Giovinco struck the only goal of the game for mid-table Parma.

Alessandro Matri was wide of the mark with some ambitious early efforts from distance for Parma, while Juventus veteran Alessandro Del Piero did likewise at the other end during the early going.

The away side were creating the better of the opportunities and they wasted two excellent chances as the end of the first half approached.

Jorge Martinez played a great ball to Felipe Melo, with the Brazilian forcing an agile save from Antonio Mirante in the Parma goal.

Martinez then headed wide from close range from an accurate Del Piero corner.

But it was Parma who got the decisive goal after 64 minutes.

Francesco Modesto teed up Giovinco, who made no mistake as he struck a powerful low shot which flew into the bottom right corner.

Del Piero shot over the top as Juve desperately sought a response and they wasted their last chance with just a minute left as Marco Motta failed to make the most of a Melo pass as he blazed wildly over the bar.

Juventus will now need to beat Napoli at home next weekend and hope Roma slip up against relegated Sampdoria.