Cagliari climbed off the bottom of Serie A with a gritty 3-2 victory over Parma on Monday.
The Sardinian side began the day in last place, one of only two clubs yet to secure a win. This victory propelled them to 16th position.
Cagliari remained resilient even as Parma twice equalized their lead.
They started stronger and earned a well-deserved lead in the 34th minute. The Parma defense failed to clear the ball, allowing Angolan winger Zito Luvumbo to set up Nadir Zortea for an unchallenged header.
Parma leveled the score after 62 minutes when Woyo Coulibaly showcased impressive skill on the left wing before assisting Dennis Man, who finished confidently.
Romanian midfielder Marin came on for Luvumbo in the 73rd minute and promptly restored Cagliari’s lead two minutes later.
Michel Adopo surged forward from midfield and passed to Marin at the edge of the box, who then delivered a magnificent shot into the far corner from 20 meters out.
Parma’s Brazilian midfielder Hernani equalized from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, but Cagliari quickly responded, with Roberto Piccoli scoring the decisive goal less than a minute later.
Cagliari now has five points from six matches, matching Parma, who sit in 15th place.
