PARMA, Italy (Interstat) — İsak Vural came off the bench to set up the lone goal Saturday as Parma opened its Serie A season with a 1-0 victory over Pisa at Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Nesta Elphege scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, finishing a play that began with Vural’s assist. The substitute’s contribution proved decisive in a match that had been tightly contested for much of the afternoon.

Parma controlled possession for long stretches but struggled to break through a compact Pisa defense until the late strike. The home side pressed forward with increasing urgency as the second half wore on, finally earning the breakthrough when Elphege found space inside the area.

The goal came after a sequence that began with Vural receiving the ball on the left flank. He drove toward the end line before cutting a pass back to Elphege, who slotted a first-time shot past the Pisa goalkeeper.

Pisa had its own chances but could not convert. The visitors were forced to play much of the second half without their usual rhythm after absorbing sustained pressure. Pisa’s best opportunity came midway through the first half, but the shot sailed wide of the far post.

Yellow cards were issued to three players. Pisa’s Simone Canestrelli was booked in the 18th minute for a tactical foul. Parma’s Vural received a yellow in the 44th minute for a challenge in midfield. Pisa’s Abdoulaye Niakhaté Ndiaye was cautioned in the 89th minute for a late tackle as the match neared its conclusion.

The win gave Parma a 1-0 record in the competition and across all competitions. Pisa fell to 0-1 in the league and overall.

The match was the season opener for both sides. Parma looked to build momentum early in the campaign while Pisa sought to recover from the road loss.

Stadio Ennio Tardini provided a lively atmosphere as the home fans cheered the late winner. Parma’s defense held firm throughout, limiting Pisa to few clear looks at goal.

Vural’s impact off the bench highlighted Parma’s depth. The substitute added creativity to the attack and provided the final ball that unlocked the Pisa back line.

Pisa’s defensive organization kept the match scoreless for more than 80 minutes. The visitors were disciplined in their shape but could not sustain the effort against a Parma side that grew more aggressive in the final quarter-hour.

The result gave Parma an early advantage in the standings. Pisa was left to rue missed opportunities and a defensive lapse that allowed the game’s only goal.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Parma 1, Pisa 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Parma with a 95.50 percent probability to win.