ROME: The Italian federation’s appeals committee has administered only a mere slap on the wrist to promoted Parma for matchfixing at the climax of their Serie B campaign.

The former UEFA Cup winners had been penalised five points but this has been reduced on appeal to a €20,000 fine.

In the final match of last season in Serie B, Parma achieved second place by La Spezia 2-0 to edge out Frosinone who were held 2-2 by Foggia.

Later, however, it emerged that before the decisive match striker Emanuele Calaio asked a former teammate, now playing for La Spezia, to take it easy during the game.

Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino, also an ex-Parma player, missed a penalty while the score was only 1-0.

In July, Parma were penalised five penalty points while Calaio was banned for two years. Calaio’s suspension has been cut to the rest of the yearwith a fine of €30,000.

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