Roma vs. Parma Begins in Farce on Wet Stadio Olimpico Pitch, Then Called Off

Common sense finally prevailed as Roma's Serie A clash with Parma began in farcical conditions, only to be called off in the first half.

The Stadio Olimpico looked like a bog as the game began, but the match kicked off regardless. 

It gave fans the chance to see some amusing battles with the ball and the water, such as you can see above. The water won most of those battles.

Eventually the game had to be called off. First a temporary halt was called:

"

Referee De Marco has suspended the game: the rain has made the pitch unplayable #RomaParma pic.twitter.com/RjwLk0ciss

— A.S. Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 2, 2014"

Then it was formally abandoned. A rearrangement will follow in due course.

"

#RomaParma ABANDONED. The game will not resume today. #Roma-#Parma #SerieA

— footballitalia (@footballitalia) February 2, 2014"

Roma are currently second in Serie A, chasing defending champions and pace-setters Juventus. According to Football Italia, they were keen not to risk a freak result on such a treacherous pitch:

"

#RomaParma Gk Morgan De Sanctis told ref: "I won't gamble with the Scudetto on a waterlogged pitch."

— footballitalia (@footballitalia) February 2, 2014"

Hard to blame them, really.