The match between the Bianconeri and Parma at the Tardini ends 1-1. After a first half dominated by Capello’s squad, the second half is marked by the deserved advantage goal by Ibrahimovic. In the final, Marchionni equalizes for the home side. The Bianconeri keeps the lead but Milan’s gap, after beating Lecce at the San Siro, is now 2 point down.
A good first half for Capello’s squad that finds two great scoring occasions. The first after 7 minutes, when Camoranesi’s right-footed fine kick from the edge of the box hits the post. The second after 27 minutes when Zebina assists Ibrahimovic into the box and the latter shoots straight into the net but Frey outdoes himself and saves. Also worth mentioning are Emerson and Zebina’s finishes from the distance. Another great action from the Bianconeri after 21 minutes: Del Piero dribbles three opponents, passes to Zambrotta, the latter crosses for Nedved and his shot is slightly wide of the post. After 36 minutes, Ibrahimovic serves Del Piero from the right, but the Captain is countered by Bovo. He protests for a Parma defender handling the ball. The home side attacks after 5 minutes with Gilardino, whose action is saved by Buffon and then the Bianconeri defence doesn’t run any remarkable risk.
The second half starts with no substitution. The Bianconeri get close to scoring right away with Del Piero’s free kick, then saved by Frey (4’). Then Emerson’s attempt from the distance is saved by Parma’s goalkeeper, whose clearance is intercepted by Camoranesi who kicks the ball out (10’). Ibrahimovic warms up and after 14 minutes, countered by Paolo Cannavaro, shoots the ball over the goal line, after a fine pass between Nedved and Del Piero. The Captain is replaced after 17 minutes by Zalayeta. One minute later and there it comes the deserved advantage goal: on a cross pass by Camoranesi, Ibrahimovic nods in precisely and beats Frey. Parma, which was dangerously in attack before the goal with Gilardino after 15 minutes (deflecting the ball, cleared by Buffon), can’t find an immediate reaction and it’s Capello’s side who comes close to draw after 24 minutes with Nedved, whose great shot from the edge of the box is slightly wide of the target and again after 25 minutes when Ibrahimovic kicks out an assist by the Czech. Parma’s equalizing goal comes after 39 minutes: Marchionni tries to shoot from a good position, Buffon clears, Marchionni shoots again and this time he hits the target (1-1). The final minutes are quite intense, with Frey clearing a finish from Nedved, served by Zalayeta.
PARMA - JUVENTUS 1-1
GOALS: 18'sh Ibrahimovic, 39' sh Marchionni
PARMA: Frey, Ferronetti, Bovo, Bonera, P. Cannavaro (33'sh Sorrentino), Potenza; Bresciano (28'sh Rosina), Grella (20' sh Marchionni), Simplicio; Morfeo; Gilardino. Manager: Carmignani. Substitutes: Berti, Camara, Budel, Ruotolo.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Montero, F. Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (40' sh Kapo), Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero (17'sh Zalayeta). Manager: Capello. Substitutes: Chimenti, Tudor, Pessotto, Tacchinardi, Appiah, Kapo. REFEREE: De Santis
YELLOW CARDS: 6'sh Montero, 26'sh Emerson