Parma had a mission impossible in front of them to win in Lille by three clear goals and enter the Champions League. It wasnt to be
although this second leg was absolutely dominated by the Gialloblu and only a miraculous save on Sabri Lamouchi four minutes from the final whistle prevented extra time.
Under-21 winger Marco Marchionni was initially fielded upfront, but Coach Renzo Ulivieris decision proved correct as it gave the French defence few focus points to close down. There was only one real chance for either side in the first half and Parma converted it into a goal. Nestor Sensini's sublime free kick from the edge of the box left the goalkeeper standing.
After the break the Gialloblu moved back to a more traditional front two with Savo Milosevic and Marco Di Vaio, re-routing Marchionni onto the right wing.
The Yugoslav international wasted a golden opportunity in the dying minutes, as did substitute Lamouchi who fired straight at the quick-witted keeper from close range.
It ends 2-1 on aggregate for the French side, so Parma will go into the draw for the UEFA Cup along with Milan, Inter and Fiorentina. It's a remarkable result for Lille, a club that only two years ago was plying its trade in the French second division.
Parma are out of the Champions League for the third year running and knocked out in the qualifying stages for the second time. Glasgow Rangers eliminated the club before the 99-2000 competition could even begin.
The future now remains uncertain for Coach Ulivieri and for their star players. Fabio Cannavaro and Mathias Almeyda have both claimed they will stay with the side even through the UEFA Cup despite interest from both Roman clubs for the defender and Juventus for the Argentine.
