The hosts came into this game in terrible form, rock bottom after 9 games. 3 points from their opening 9 fixtures, 8 of them being defeats and just the solitary victory this term. It seemed time was running out for Donandoni to get it right. Possibly another loss away from facing the sack. His opposite number is also fearing the sack, 15 points from Inter's opening 9 games would suggested a sturdy start from Mazzarri's men. But considering how well their transfer window went - bringing in players such as Osvaldo, Medel and Vidić many people were expecting more from Inter at this stage of the season. However there is still plenty of time to improve, performances are still poor but results are slowly and surely coming with victories over Cesena and Sampdoria.
This is how both teams lined up :
Parma's XI: Mirante; Costa, Lucarelli, Felipe; Rispoli, Acquah, Lodi, Mauri, De Ceglie; Cassano & Coda.
Inter's XI: Handanović; Ranocchia,Vidić, Juan Jesus; Obi,Kovačić, Medel,Kuzmanović, Dodò; Palacio & Icardi.
It took only 5 minutes for under performing Parma to strike the first blow to Inter. Andrea Rispoli whipped in a dangerous cross, which was not dealt with allowing Paolo De Ceglie a tap in to claim his second goal of the season. Parma could of quite easily gone 2-0 up moments later after Cassano played Acquah in who saw his shot go way off target. Inter had their first meaningful attack of the game through Joel Obi. His diving header was cleared off the line by skipper Alessandro Lucarelli who came to Parma's rescue.
After the interval Inter looked like the team most likely to score. Kuzmanović had an effort that was blasted over the bar and came close again as he chested down a Mateo Kovačić pass over the top but was charged down by De Ceglie. After 67 minutes had been played the best chance for Inter presented it self however Palacio blasted his effort into Row Z. Two minutes later Mateo Kovačić saw his deflected strike hit the outside of the post. However it was Parma who scored against the run of play for the second time in the match. Paolo De Ceglie reacted first after Cassano deflected shot inadvertently came his way and his scuffed effort went through Handanović's legs, the keeper really should have done better. It was the wing-back's first ever Serie A brace. Two goals could have and really should have turned into three after Cassano played a lovely pass to Acquah who controlled brilliantly and his back heel fell to Rispoli who saw his shot parried by Handanović from point-blank range.
Moments later Paulo De Ceglie had a chance to complete a first career Serie A hat-trick after Cassano played him in only for Handanović to tip over the Italian wing-back's effort. Cassano was probably the stand out performer this game.