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Bernardo Corradi scored on his return to the Stadio Tardini as Parma held Cagliari 1-1 despite missing a penalty.
This was a relegation six-pointer, even if the Sardinians had an unexpectedly positive start with a 2-0 win away to Napoli and unlucky 3-2 defeat to Juventus. Pasquale Foggia was fired up after his first senior international call and supported Under-21 Italy star Robert Acquafresca, but Cristian Del Grosso sat out a ban. Parma have stuttered so far with just one point, but debuted new signing Bernardo Corradi.
Cagliari had lost their last four trips to the Tardini and had to make a change after Fini's injury during the warm-up.
Parola drilled across the face of goal and Falcone's deflection took it out for a corner.
Parma had a great chance on 18 minutes, as a Luca Cigarini free kick into the centre found Daniele Dessena's half-volley and a desperate point-blank reaction save from Marco Fortin.
There was another excellent scoring opportunity moments later, as a defensive error sent Andrea Pisanu clear, but Diego Lopez's perfectly-timed tackle cut his progress short as he pulled the trigger.
Luca Bucci bravely rushed out to close down Larrivey, although the Argentine was offside.
Cagliari took the lead just before half-time. A long Parola free kick missed everyone to clatter against the far post and Alessandro Matri was quickest to react, tapping in with his right foot towards an empty net.
A minute later there was another chance to double their advantage, as Bucci and the base of the upright denied Larrivey.
A Parma free kick went across the face of goal and just missed Reginaldo's outstretched foot, while Corradi and Stefano Morrone made mistakes to ruin a promising counter.
The Gialloblu needed some inspiration and threw on veteran Domenico Morfeo for Pisanu. Within minutes he had contributed to a move that saw Corradi's header skim the upright.
The referee pointed to the spot for a mistimed Lopez challenge that accidentally kicked Morrone. It was a debatable incident, but it didn't matter as Paolo Castellini's penalty was relatively weak and Fortin was able to palm it off the line.
The equaliser was only postponed, as Corradi marked his return to the Stadio Tardini with a splendid strike. Cigarini's chipped ball past the defence went over Corradi's shoulder and the former Manchester City man slammed a perfect volley into the far corner.
Cagliari fought back immediately and Bucci flew out to push a Davide Biondini cross off the feet of the unmarked Larrivey from eight yards.
Reginaldo went on a solo run and combined with Castellini to test Fortin at the near post.
Pasquale Foggia received his maiden international call-up last week and, although he didn't play, he did pick up a bout of flu. He was risked for the final 10 minutes at the Tardini with both teams pushing for a victory, but neither side could find a way through.
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