When Claudio Ranieri took over the Gialloblu in February, they looked destined to be playing Serie B football next season.

However, goals from Zlatan Muslimovic, Igor Budan and Andrea Gasbaronni helped give them the win which meant they finished three points clear of the drop in 12th place.

Luca Saudati grabbed the only goal for Empoli, who had already been assured of a UEFA Cup place going into the match.

Parma started the match only two points above the relegation zone and knew that a win would be enough to secure their top-flight status.

With no shortage of motivation the home side set about getting the all-important first goal and came close when Igor Budan struck an effort against the bar early on.

However the Gialloblu fans did not have to wait long for the opener as Muslimovic struck after only seven minutes.

Alongside Ranieri, on-loan Manchester United striker Guiseppe Rossi has been credited with helping Parma change their fortunes.

And he was instrumental in the goal as he succesfully battled with Andrea Raggi for the ball and cleverly laid it on for Muslimovic who made no mistake.

That sparked pandemonium in the Stadio Ennio Tardini and there should have had more to shout about moments later, but Budan fired wide after good work by Socceroo Vinnie Grella.

However, with 16 minutes gone, Budan atoned for his earlier miss by extending Parma's lead with a cool finish after being set up by the superb Muslimovic.

The home side were in control, but as in so many games this season they let their concentration slip and Empoli should have been level, only for Saudati to fail to connect with a clever back heel.

In the 27th minute, Saudati made no mistake and brought Empoli back into the game with a powerful effort from the right side of the area.

Despite looking in danger of throwing away their hard work, as the half came to a close Parma had reasserted their dominance with Fernando Couto forcing Davide Bassi into a good save.

The second half continued as the first had finished, with Ranieri's side in control of proceedings and looking to be staying in Serie A.

Both Budan and Gasbarroni came close to killing the game off, but they were both denied by fine saves from Bassi.

Empoli never looked in danger of grabbing an equaliser with Igli Vannucchi having their best attempt with a shot that trickled wide.

As the clock wore on, the Parma fans were getting nervous with fear of an Empoli equaliser, but with three minutes left Gasbarroni got the goal which secured Parma's survival.

After following in on a cross, Gasbaronni fired an excellent drive past Bassi, who almost kept it out.

Joyous scenes at the Ennio Tardini followed as Parma finished an incredible season with their top-flight status intact.