Fiorentina climbed out of the Serie A relegation zone for the first time since October after a goalless draw with Parma, though the result felt like a missed chance as their opponents edged closer to securing safety.
The Viola entered the match under pressure following a turbulent run of results.
Their momentum was halted by consecutive defeats in the Conference League against Jagiellonia, despite eventually progressing after extra time, and a heavy 3-0 league loss to Udinese. With a Round of 16 clash against Rakow approaching on Thursday, Fiorentina could not afford to rotate heavily in a crucial relegation battle.
Dodo returned to the starting line-up after serving a suspension, while Fabiano Parisi dropped out.
However, Fiorentina were still without several players, including Moise Kean, Manor Solomon, Luca Lezzerini and Tariq Lamptey.
Parma arrived in better spirits after a strong run of three victories and a draw against Cagliari, although Adrian Bernabé, Sascha Britschgi, Pontus Almqvist and Matija Frigan were unavailable.
Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was back among the substitutes after recovering from surgery on a fractured hand sustained in November.
The game produced few clear chances early on. Luca Ranieri struggled to control a loose ball following Roberto Piccoli’s knockdown from a Fiorentina acrobatic effort, while Gabriel Strefezza fired over the bar after dispossessing Marco Brescianini on a quick counter.
Mandela Keita came closest before the break with a low strike from distance that skimmed the base of the near post.
Fiorentina increased the pressure after the interval, with Jack Harrison’s cross towards Piccoli forcing Enrico Delprato into a crucial defensive block.
Rolando Mandragora later attempted an acrobatic volley that flew over the bar, while both Piccoli and Giovanni Fabbian failed to connect with a dangerous Nicolò Fagioli cross from close range.
Although the draw lifted Fiorentina out of the bottom three, it left their supporters frustrated, with many jeering the team at full-time. Meanwhile, Parma’s point all but secures their Serie A survival.
