Parma take the reins

Austrian involvement in this season's UEFA club competitions is under threat after SV Austria Salzburg's 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Parma AC in the UEFA Cup second round first leg in Linz.

Comprehensive win
Four goals in the last 30 minutes of the match provided the Italian side with the comprehensive victory that their play deserved. Salzburg threatened only briefly in the opening period when Parma goalkeeper Sébastien Frey was required to turn the ball around the post, first from Alexander Schriebl's shot and then from Thomas Hässler's free-kick.

Parma penalty joy
Cesare Prandelli's side opened the scoring on the hour mark from the penalty spot through Emanuelle Filippini, after Heiko Laessig was adjudged to have handled the ball. Salzburg attempted to muster a response, but Parma simply exploited the spaces left in the home side's defence and a counterattack in the 64th minute provided the second goal through Alberto Gilardino.

Finishing flourish
Hidetoshi Nakata added Parma's third in the 83rd minute when he was quickest to reach the ball after Salzburg goalkeeper Heinz Arzberger parried the initial shot and three minutes later Parma added a fourth when Alessandro Rosina beat Arzberger hen he failed to clear the danger.