Parma 2 - 0 Chievo Verona

Parma 2-0 Chievo Verona

Updated: November 8, 2009, 5:21 PM UK

Domenico di Carlo failed to get the better of his former manager as Francesco Guidolin's Parma saw off the challenge of fellow European hopefuls Chievo in Serie A this afternoon.

Chievo boss Di Carlo played under Guidolin at Vicenza for four years, and it was the Parma tactician who handed him his debut in Serie A.

Di Carlo also gained his first top-flight managerial experience at the Tardini stadium before he was sacked during the 2007/08 campaign, and today marked his first return.

Chievo began the match only two points behind their opponents, who moved up to seventh as a result of this victory.

Cristian Zaccardo put the hosts ahead four minutes before half-time, and they secured the points in the 72nd minute through Davide Lanzafame to make it five wins from their last six home games.

The visitors created the first opening, but Gennaro Sardo's cross-shot did not trouble Antonio Mirante in the Parma goal.

Chievo stayed on the attack, and Davide Mandelli would have been disappointed to direct his header straight at Mirante in the 17th minute.

Alessandro Lucarelli had Parma's first real effort on goal a couple of minutes later. He struck it well from 35 yards - but it sailed past the post.

The home side were forced into a change midway through the half after young striker Alberto Paloschi picked up a thigh injury and had to be replaced by Nicola Amoruso.

Parma then came within a whisker of taking the lead as Valeri Bojinov's free-kick thudded against the post, with Stefano Sorrentino well beaten.

Bojinov was fast becoming the most dangerous player on the pitch and was first to the ball after a scramble in the box - but his effort was deflected wide.

The pressure was building, and the hosts duly took the lead in the 41st minute through Zaccardo.

Another scramble following a corner resulted in the ball being only half-cleared, and the defender returned it with interest.

Chievo almost responded immediately, but Mario Yepes' header from Marco Marcolini's cross flew just the wrong side of the post.

Bojinov turned creator after the break, playing in Daniele Galloppa, but he could only fire over the bar from a good position.

The hosts were then grateful to Lucarelli for deflecting Simone Bentivoglio's shot behind; then at the other end, Amoruso saw his header from Stefano Morrone's cross saved by Sorrentino.

The Flying Donkeys were left cursing the woodwork in the 72nd minute as substitute Elvis Abbruscato, making his debut, hit the bar with a header.

It got worse for the visitors seconds later as Parma broke - and another substitute, Davide Lanzafame, slotted home after he was played in by Blerim Dzemaili.

Abbruscato had another chance to get on the scoresheet when he was picked out by Giampiero Pinzi. But his weak header was easily collected by Mirante, and Parma could celebrate picking up all three points.