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The shares were spoiled in this less than electric encounter at the Stadio Massimino that does precious little to help either side.
Both teams have impressed with recent performances, but didn't match them with the results, so this was a relegation tussle. Catania held Juventus to a 1-1 draw here in their last home game, while Parma were smarting after losing a 2-1 lead to fall 3-2 at Inter in stoppages. Fernando Couto was sent off in that tie and sat out a ban, while Massimo Paci, Ferdinand Coly and Daniele Dessena were injured. The Sicilians had Gennaro Sardo suspended with Andrea Sottil and Christian Terlizzi battling fitness worries.
Ciro Polito plucked a Bernardo Corradi header out of the air, while Andrea Gasbarroni wanted a penalty for a Cristian Terlizzi handling offence.
Luca Bucci struggled to keep out Gionatha Spinesi's powerful free kick and a similar effort from Colucci. When Catania did hit the back of the net with a Spinesi flicked header, the referee disallowed it for a less than clear push.
Giuseppe Mascara got to a Colucci cross and saw it deflected wide from point-blank range.
Parma had the best chance of the game on 67 minutes when Ciro Polito completely missed a long ball forward. Reginaldo had an empty net to aim at, but under pressure turned his free header wide!
Corradi had a goal disallowed for his offside position, but neither team could break through in a dull second half.
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