Parma climbed six points clear of the Serie A relegation zone as two second-half goals gave them a 2-0 victory over lowly Catania at Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Antonio Candreva grabbed the opener in the 57th minute and the second arrived just four minutes later as Sebastian Giovinco fired home a curling effort from distance. It made for a miserable first game in charge for Catania coach Diego Simeone, who replaced Marco Giampaolo earlier this week.

Parma may have only won one of their previous four home games but they made the more confident start as Candreva fired wide after good work by Hernan Crespo. Christian Zaccardo then shot just wide in a spirited opening from the hosts.

Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante was alert to save a fierce half-volley from Guiseppe Mascara as it fizzed towards his bottom left-hand corner but he was rarely troubled during the opening half as Massimo Gobbi blazed over at the other end and Candreva then failed to find the net having rounded Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.

Parma looked like they might pay for their profligacy in front of goal when Catania made a good start to the second half. A weak Maxi Lopez effort was saved by Mirante, who was more severely tested by Alejandro Gomes' powerful effort.

But Candreva broke the deadlock as he reacted quickest when Mariano Angelo's header came back off the Catania bar. And it was soon 2-0 when Giovinco's sensational curling effort proved too much for Andujar to keep out. Mascara wasted a good late chance for the visitors but they never looked capable of mounting a fightback.