Misfiring Parma settle with Palermo

Parma failed to turn possession into goals after drawing a blank in a 0-0 draw with Palermo in Serie A tonight. The hosts dominated for long spells but could not find a breakthrough with Sebastian Giovinco coming closest with a long-range drive in the 26th minute which smacked against the post. Although no doubt pleased to have claimed an undeserved point, Palermo manager Devis Mangia will nevertheless be concerned at having watched his side's winless run away from home stretch to seven months. Parma went into the game looking to bounce back from their surprising midweek elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Serie B side Hellas Verona. The home side had the better start and created the first chance in the fourth minute. Jonathan Biabiany fed Graziano Pelle in the area and his right-footed strike went wide. On 18 minutes, Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante kept out Federico Balzaretti's six-yard attempt at the far post. The hosts were unlucky not to take the lead when Giovinco's stinging drive from outside the area beat Palermo goalkeeper Francesco Benussi but found the post. Before half-time, Giovinco came close again with a header from Biabiany's cross which fell just wide of the target. Palermo showed more determination after the restart and had a good chance in the 47th minute. Balzaretti set up Ignacio Lores and he struck the ball just wide from ten yards. At the other end, Alessandro Lucarelli's goal-bound attempt went over the bar. In the 64th minute, Benussi kept out Balzaretti's bullet strike from 30 yards. Parma pressed forward more aggressively in the final stages and Benussi did well to deny Giovinco and Pelle's close-range efforts as his team held on for a point.