Parma Football Club returned to winning ways with a convincing 2-0 victory over local rivals Bologna during their Serie A clash on February 22, 2025, pushing them closer to safety as they aim to escape the relegation zone. Under the stewardship of new coach Cristian Chivu, Parma's much-needed three points came at the perfect time.
The match, significant for both teams, started briskly, but it was Parma who took the lead thanks to Ange-Yoan Bonny’s penalty kick just before halftime. The incident occurred when Bologna's defender Beukema was penalized for handling the ball inside the area. Bonny stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Bologna goalkeeper Ravaglia, giving Parma a 1-0 advantage.
Despite losing their influential player Bernabé to injury early on, the Parma side displayed tenacity and determination. The first half saw limited threats from either side, with some missed opportunities and attempts from Bologna's Cambiaghi and Cancellieri going wide. Nevertheless, the momentum shifted when Bonny found the back of the net, allowing Parma to head to the dressing room with their heads held high.
After halftime, Bologna struggled to regain control of the match. They attempted to mount pressure, but it was Parma who extended their lead. Simon Sohm made it 2-0 following a well-organized counterattack, showcasing the quick transition skills of the Parma team as he struck beautifully from close range.
The final minutes held tensions for Bologna, who had one last chance to score when Fabbian headed just wide of the goal, but it would prove not to be their day as the whistle blew for full time. The win was significant for Parma, as they earned their first victory of 2025 and now sit on 23 points, moving them up from third-last place and providing them with much-needed confidence going forward.
After the match, midfielder Simon Sohm reflected on the importance of the win: “We won a scrappy game, but we really needed this. We must take points, and it is much besser to win like this than to play amazingly and lose. The manager told us only points matter now; we have 13 cup finals left, and we have to take as many points as possible.” His sentiments captured the essence of what this victory means for the team's morale as they face the remaining weeks of the season.
Chivu, who recently took over from former manager Fabio Pecchia, expressed gratitude toward his predecessor. “The compliments should be to the coach and the man Fabio Pecchia rather than to me,” said Chivu. He praised the players for their resolve: “I found a group ready to face and withstand the impact against a strong team like Bologna; we needed the points.”
On the other side, Bologna's coach Vincenzo Italiano had much to ponder following the defeat. He shared his discontent with his team's approach: “We should have done more, filled the area more, looked for depth... but instead we limited ourselves to a low-paced game of keeping possession.” His analysis pointed to the urgency needed for Bologna, who now face rising difficulties as they strive to secure a position among the top teams for next year’s Champions League.
With this result, Bologna saw their hopes slip as they succumbed to their first defeat of the new year. They must now regroup and refocus as they look to bounce back from this setback. They remain precariously positioned, well aware of the competition looming behind them.
Parma, now celebrating this notable victory, will look to build upon it as they prepare for their upcoming match against Udinese on March 1, also aiming to establish consistency under Chivu’s management. The players understand the challenge of staying clear of relegation whilst keeping their competitive spirit alive.
Indeed, as the Serie A season marches on, every point gained is pivotal, and victories like these may prove to be the lifeblood of Parma's quest for survival.