Japan captain Maya Yoshida netted his first goal in the Italian top flight Sunday to help Sampdoria defeat relegation-threatened Parma 2-0. The 32-year-old center back, who moved from English Premier League side Southampton midway through last season, capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the winner in the 25th minute at Parma’s Ennio Tardini Stadium. Unmarked following a set play, Yoshida tapped home from directly in front after the ball ricocheted into his path off a Parma defender. Winger Keita Balde added a second goal before halftime. Yoshida’s contributions at the defensive end also …

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