Parma broke the deadlock on 14 minutes when Adrian Mutu provided a perfect assist from the left for Hidetoshi Nakata to tap in with the softest of touches.

Atalanta welcomed back Cristiano Doni after a thigh strain, but the Orobici continued their dismal early season form.

Goalkeeper Massimo Taibi made a splendid point-blank save on Matteo Brighi soon after.

Japanese international Nakata almost snatched a second just before the break, but his header on a corner kick was intercepted at the last moment.

There was controversy in first half stoppage time as Mutu appeared to be wrestled to the ground before the ball struck Foglio's arm, but the referee waved both penalty appeals away.

The Romanian eventually got on the scoresheet when his magnificent curling free kick flew in despite Taibi's fingertip save.

The Orobici finally got one back five minutes from time when Gianni Comandini nodded in from close range.