Daniel Mosquera's close-range header that clattered against the post after only two minutes nearly ended Verona's unwelcome goalless skid of not scoring in the first half, which has been a rarity for the team.
Pontus Almqvist of Parma nearly made up for that early error with a first-time effort that went 20 yards inches past the post. Both teams tightened their defences after early breaks, and there were little opportunities until Mosquera broke into the area and fired shortly before halftime, but Alessandro Vogliacco's quick stop stopped his goalbound attempt. Defences remained on top after the break and there was a sense of desperation after Dennis Man tumbled in the Verona area for a hopeful penalty appeal that referee Juan Luca Sacchi waved away. Having found the net beyond the 60th minute six times in their last eight games, Parma looked the more likely to strike late.