Cagliari began their 2026/27 Serie A campaign on a winning note after Alessandro Romano’s late strike secured a 1-0 victory over Parma at the Ennio Tardini on Saturday.
The game was closely contested for much of the evening, with both sides creating opportunities without finding the breakthrough.
Cagliari, however, grew into the contest after the interval and eventually found the decisive moment in the 79th minute.
Michel Adopo provided the opening for Romano, who calmly guided a left-footed effort past Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi to put the visitors ahead.
Parma pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but struggled to turn their attacking pressure into clear chances.
They finished with 13 attempts, although only two were on target.
Cagliari were slightly more efficient in front of goal, registering 14 shots and five on target.
They also hit the woodwork twice during the match, underlining their growing threat as the game progressed.
The visitors enjoyed 53 per cent possession and were particularly effective in the final third, completing 81 per cent of their passes in that area compared with Parma’s 56 per cent.
Romano was the standout performer, earning an 8.1 rating.
Aside from his goal, the midfielder completed 55 of 61 passes, won all four of his attempted tackles and added an interception and two clearances.
Parma’s Christian Ordoñez was their highest-rated player with 7.6, but the hosts were ultimately punished for their lack of accuracy in front of goal.
The result gives Cagliari three valuable points from their opening fixture, while Parma will be left to rue missed opportunities after a competitive performance that yielded no reward.
