Parma make immediate Serie A return

Parma have won promotion back to Serie A at the first attempt after a 2-2 draw at Cittadella.

With two matches to go before the end of the Serie B season, second-placed Parma are guaranteed a place back in the top flight as the Gialloblu have an unassailable seven-point lead over third-placed Livrono.

Francesco Guidolin's side, who needed to avoid defeat to secure promotion, took a two-goal advantage into half-time thanks to a fifth-minute own goal from Emanuele Pesoli and Reginaldo's strike on the half-hour mark.

But relegation-threatened Cittadella, who were reduced down to 10-men following Matteo Teoldi's sending off late on, fought back in the second half with a double from Riccardo Meggiorini.

This is only the second promotion to Serie A in Parma's history. Their first came in 1990, and they managed to stay in the top flight for 18 years - winning three European trophies - before their relegation at the end of last season.

Serie B leaders Bari had already assured their promotion a week ago but Antonio Conte's men still need a point to secure the championship.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth teams will play off at the end of the season to decide the third promotion spot.

[Parma bounce back] - [Week 40] - [Francesco Guidolin] - [Thommaso Ghirardi] - [Stefano Morrone]