Parma and Udinese took a point apiece from a goalless draw, but it did little to improve either side's position. Before the match, the teams were level on four points after eight rounds.
State of both sides before kick-off
Alberto Gilardino had lost all three games in charge since taking over from Carlos Cuesta. Nesta Elphege was Parma's only remaining absentee after having his appendix taken out.
Udinese had lost six on the bounce before the match, with Kosta Runjaic as coach. Nicolò Zaniolo had returned to the field the previous week in a 2-0 defeat to Milan.
Parma team news and key moment
Giovanni Daffara was given his Serie A debut in goal for Parma. Adrian Bernabé then had a Parma penalty saved by Maduka Okoye.
Udinese chances denied
Udinese had by far the most chances to win. Mariano Troilo made a decisive goal-line clearance to stop Jurgen Ekkelenkamp after Ekkelenkamp had come sliding in to meet a cross from five yards and beaten the goalkeeper.
Daffara also denied Unai Gomez from point-blank range at the back post late on.
Fitness issues
Oumar Solet, Alessandro Zanoli, David Alaba, Vakoun Bayo and Idrissa Gueye were still struggling with fitness issues.