The Stadio Ennio Tardini crackled with anticipation as Parma hosted Torino in a Serie A matchup that will be remembered for more than just the three points at stake. On September 29, 2025, Parma not only clinched a much-needed 2-1 victory, but their young head coach Carlos Cuesta etched his name into Italian football history. At exactly 30 years and 2 months old, Cuesta became the youngest coach since World War II to win a Serie A match, a feat that’s got the football world buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
For Parma fans, this win was about more than statistics. After a rocky start to the season—marked by two draws against Cremonese and Atalanta and a pair of 2-0 defeats to Juventus and Cagliari—the club desperately needed a spark. Cuesta, a former Arsenal player handpicked by the ducal club for his modern approach and tactical acumen, delivered just that. The victory against Torino brought a wave of relief and a renewed sense of optimism to the Gialloblu faithful, who had been growing restless after seeing their team collect only two points from the first four league games.
But let’s not forget the man of the hour on the pitch: Mateo Pellegrino. The Parma forward was simply unstoppable, netting both goals and sealing the win with a performance that will be replayed in highlight reels for weeks to come. Pellegrino broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, calmly converting a penalty to give Parma the edge heading into halftime. The pressure was palpable, but he made it look easy, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Torino, managed by Marco Baroni, weren’t about to roll over. After regrouping at the half, they came out with renewed intensity. Baroni, known for his tactical tweaks, made adjustments that paid off quickly. In the 50th minute, Saul Coco delivered a pinpoint assist to Cyril Ngonge, who unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the box. The ball soared into the top left corner, leaving Parma’s defense and their supporters momentarily stunned. Suddenly, the match was wide open again, and the tension ratcheted up a notch.
With the score level at 1-1, both sides turned up the heat. The midfield battle intensified, the tackles flew in, and the crowd roared with every surge forward. Yet, it was Parma who found that extra gear. Emanuele Valeri stepped up to take a crucial corner, whipping the ball into the danger area. Pellegrino, showing both determination and finesse, rose above the crowd at close range to head the ball into the bottom left corner. The stadium erupted as Parma reclaimed the lead, and Pellegrino sprinted to the corner flag to celebrate with his teammates. What a moment!
Torino pressed hard in the closing stages, launching wave after wave of attacks. But Parma’s defense, perhaps galvanized by the significance of the occasion and the hunger for their first league win, held firm. Every clearance, every block, and every save was met with cheers from the stands. When the final whistle blew, the relief was palpable—not just for the players and coaching staff, but for the entire city of Parma.
For Carlos Cuesta, this victory was more than just a line on his managerial record. It was a statement—a sign that his youthful energy and fresh ideas could translate into real results at the highest level of Italian football. Since World War II, no coach as young as Cuesta had managed to win a Serie A match. The previous post-war record belonged to Maurizio D’Angelo, who was 35 years, 7 months, and 16 days old when he led Chievo Verona to victory. Before that, Andrea Stramaccioni, Roberto Mancini, and Vincenzo Montella had all made their mark as young managers, but none matched Cuesta’s precocity in the modern era.
Of course, the all-time youngest coach to win in Serie A remains Elio Loschi, who, in 1936, guided Triestina to a 4-1 win over Lucchese at just 27 years, 3 months, and 28 days old. Still, Cuesta’s achievement stands out in the post-war period, especially given the high-pressure environment and the scrutiny that comes with managing a top-flight Italian club.
Cuesta’s arrival at Parma was met with cautious optimism. The club had sought a fresh direction after a string of underwhelming seasons, and Cuesta’s reputation as a forward-thinking coach with experience at Arsenal made him an intriguing choice. His early results—draws and losses—tested the patience of fans and pundits alike. But, as the saying goes, sometimes all it takes is one big win to turn the tide. According to reports, “The splendid victory against Torino certifies through the result the quality of the work done.”
For Pellegrino, this match could well be a turning point in his career. Scoring a brace in such a crucial fixture, especially under the watchful eyes of a new coach and a hungry home crowd, is no small feat. His composure from the penalty spot and his aerial prowess on the second goal showcased the range of his attacking abilities. As Parma look to climb the table, they’ll be counting on Pellegrino to keep delivering the goods.
Torino, for their part, will be left to rue missed opportunities. Despite enjoying the majority of possession and showing flashes of attacking flair—especially through Ngonge’s stunning equalizer—they couldn’t find a way past Parma’s resilient defense in the closing moments. Head coach Marco Baroni will no doubt be analyzing what went wrong and plotting a swift response as the season rolls on.
This victory won’t erase the challenges that lie ahead for Parma. Serie A is a marathon, not a sprint, and consistency will be key if Cuesta’s side hopes to avoid another flirtation with the relegation zone. But for now, the mood around the club is one of celebration and cautious optimism. The young coach has shown he can deliver under pressure, and the players have proven they’re willing to fight for every point.
As the dust settles on this historic night in Parma, fans can savor the sweet taste of victory and the promise of a brighter future. With Carlos Cuesta at the helm and Mateo Pellegrino leading the line, the Gialloblu have every reason to believe that better days are ahead. The road is long, but for now, Parma can bask in the glow of a win that’s already earned its place in the history books.
