A first-half goal from Andrea Costa helped Parma record a 1-0 win over nine-man Fiorentina on Tuesday.
It was Parma that made the brighter start to proceedings and the home side were rewarded after 11 minutes when Costa planted a header into the bottom corner.
The hosts came close to making it 2-0 seven minutes later, but Mattia Cassani's header was just over the crossbar as Fiorentina continued to struggle.
Mario Gomez was the main threat for Fiorentina in the first period and the German brought a fine save from Antonio Mirante after 26 minutes.
Gomez had the chance to score from the penalty spot 10 minutes before the interval after a rash challenge from Paolo de Ceglie, but the experienced striker was denied by Mirante to leave Parma with a 1-0 lead at the interval.
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Gomez was also involved moments into the second period as he set up Juan Cuadrado inside the Parma box, but the Colombian somehow fired wide of the post.
The visitors continued to press as the second half gathered pace, with Gomez and Cuadrado at the forefront of their challenge.
Fiorentina's task was made harder 10 minutes from time, however, when Gonzalo Rodriguez picked up his second yellow card. It got worse after 86 minutes, with Stefan Savic also seeing red as the away side finished with nine men.
As a result, Parma were able to play out the final minutes to record just their third league win of the season.
Matt Law
