Parma secured a significant 2-0 victory over Bologna, parading their new head coach Cristian Chivu to the enthusiastic crowd at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 22, 2025. The triumph marked Chivu’s ideal debut, as the team had struggled with recent performances, suffering four consecutive defeats prior to this match.
The game began on shaky ground for Parma when Adrian Bernabé limped off just five minutes in, raising concerns about his fitness considering his struggling season. His replacement, Nahuel Estevez, stepped onto the pitch, hoping to stabilize the lineup. The match's early bouts saw both teams probing the other's defense, but it was Parma who found the breakthrough with just under ten minutes remaining in the first half.
Ange-Yoan Bonny was the hero of the moment, converting from the penalty spot after Sam Beukema handled the ball within the area. Bonny’s conversion was pivotal as it marked his first goal since November 9, raising the spirits of both the players and the home fans. "Parma beats Bologna 2-0, marking Cristian Chivu's winning debut," reported Sport Parma, highlighting the importance of the goal at such a moment. With the score now 1-0, Parma went to halftime with confidence.
Throughout the first half, Bologna showcased their possession game, dominating ball control but struggled to break down Parma's organized defense. Chivu implemented tactics focusing on defensive solidity and picked the right moments to counterattack, which played to the Ducali’s strengths.
The second half continued to reflect Chivu's influence; his team was composed, absorbing Bologna's pressure without crumbling. Bologna aimed for equality and created several promising opportunities, yet failed to convert, with Parma’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki making some timely saves.
Parma doubled their lead at the 79th minute through Simon Sohm. The goal was born from quick thinking; Dennis Man intercepted Bologna's errant midfield pass and launched Sohm, who finished with precision from a tricky angle. This exemplified the counter-attacking prowess Chivu brought to the squad. The second goal sealed the victory, sending the home fans roaring with delight. "This match brought Parma three important points against Bologna, lifting them away from the relegation zone," noted Rete Uno Sport shortly after the match.
Bologna, who entered the match on the back of impressive form, with seven Serie A matches unbeaten, found themselves frustrated. Despite their territorial advantage—a staggering 74% possession statistics—their failure to capitalize on opportunities underscored Parma's disciplined defensive efforts.
Post-match reflections will center around the changes Chivu has made, showing how he has already instilled qualities of resilience and pragmatism, traits sorely missing from earlier matches under the previous manager Fabio Pecchia. His thoughtful changes during the match indicated he is coming to grips with the tactical nuances required at this level, evident from the controlled gameplay and ready substitutes who followed the strategy laid out for them.
Fans and experts alike will watch Chivu's carefully calibrated response to managing injuries and executing game plans more effectively as the season progresses. The victory against Bologna could well signify not just three points for Parma but the turning point their season so desperately needed. The upcoming fixture against Udinese could either bolster this newfound confidence or present them with challenges once again.