Cesena 2 : 2 Parma - Unlucky Parma held

Relegation-threatened Parma twice struck the woodwork and were denied all three points in a 2-2 draw at bottom side Cesena.

Sergio Floccari put the visitors ahead in the 40th minute before goals from Mario Santana and Simone Del Nero shortly after the restart handed Cesena a 2-1 lead.

Gabriel Paletta equalised after 61 minutes and Parma were unlucky not to claim victory after substitute Francesco Valiani hit the post 13 minutes from time.

The result at the Dino Manuzzi stadium left Parma 17th in the standings, five points clear of the drop zone, while Cesena are winless in their last 11 games and lie 14 points from safety with nine games remaining.

The visitors went into the game looking for their first win since February 5.

They almost went ahead in the seventh minute when Floccari's 12-yard shot beat Cesena goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli but struck the crossbar.

Parma almost opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Alessandro Lucarelli got his head to Sebastian Giovinco's cross only for his effort to fly over the bar.

The visitors were finally rewarded when Giovinco fed Floccari in the area and he struck the ball past Antonioli.

The home side came to life after the restart and equalised in the 46th minute.

Parma failed to clear a dangerous corner and the ball fell to Santana, whose 14-yard effort beat goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

The goal inspired the hosts, who went in front seven minutes later when Del Nero's hard drive from 30 yards beat Mirante.

But Cesena's joy was shortlived as Paletta equalised in the 61st minute.

Jonathan Biabiany fed Paletta in the area and he fired into the top left corner beyond Antonioli.

Valiani then saw his left-footed shot hit the far post as Cesena held on for a point.