The goalless draw at the Stadio Olimpico against high-fliers Lazio has left the Emiliani on 39 points - two clear of third-bottom Siena - heading into the final week of the season.

Parma host Empoli next week while Siena are at home against Lazio.

Catania and Reggina will also go into the final week desperate for good results as they occupy the two positions directly below Parma on 38 and 37 points, respectively.

Parma looked dead and buried when they sacked Stefano Pioli earlier this season but under Ranieri, they have claimed 16 out of a possible 21 points in their last seven matches.

On Sunday, both teams enjoyed a bright start.

A fast counter-attack from Igor Budan led to Giuseppe Rossi threatening with a right-foot from outside the penalty box that went just over.

Striker Budan took aim in the 11th minute with a left-foot shot from close range that went over the bar by a few inches.

Lazio midfielder Christian Manfredini had his team's best chance of the early minutes with a right-foot attempt from the left side of the area that flashed past the near post.

Rossi, who has been on loan at Parma from Manchester United since January, had another shot but missed the target.

Lazio goalkeeper Tommaso Berni then had to be at his best to keep the game goalless.

Fabio Firmani smashed the ball from the right side of the area that was headed for the middle of the goal but Berni kept it out.

On the half-hour, it was Parma keeper Luca Bucci's turn to deny Tommaso Rocchi, whose attempt was headed for the left corner of the goal.

After Budan and Rocchi were unsuccessful for their respective teams, Bucci had to make a diving save to keep Rocchi off the scoresheet.

The Lazio striker's right-foot shot from the left was headed for the bottom left corner but Bucci denied him.

Rossi for Parma, and Lorenzo De Silvestri for Lazio each had shots at the end of the of half but neither was successful.

Fans had been treated to an entertaining opening 45 minutes and it would get even better after the restart as first, Rocchi latched onto a cross from by Riccardo Bonetto in the centre of the box and watched his shot go high and wide to the left.

Then Rossi had two shots in quick succession that nearly broke the deadlock.

After receiving a pass from Daniele Dessena, Rossi hit the bar with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.

He then tried his luck with a rocket from outside the area that Berni saved.

The Lazio keeper suddenly found himself under pressure again and had to block an Andrea Gasbarroni drive.

Parma had two more excellent chances to get the three points they craved.

In the 65th minute, Muslimovic slipped a pass to Francesco Parravicini who drilled a shot from about 18 yards that went over.

And several minutes later, Rossi met a Paolo Castellini cross in the centre of the area but the attempt went narrowly past the woodwork.

Veteran Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi came on in the 84th minute for Berni to make one final appearance at the Olimpico.

Peruzzi, 37, announced earlier this year that he is retiring after the season.

Socceroo Vinne Grella played the entire match.