AS Roma dominated Parma at the Stadio Olimpico on December 17, 2024, winning decisively with a score of 5-0. Looking to recover from recent disappointing performances, both teams approached this match with high stakes; Roma aimed to climb up the Serie A standings, whereas Parma sought to avoid sinking even lower.
Claudio Ranieri's Roma entered the match with renewed vigor after their successful Coppa Italia win against Sampdoria earlier this week. After tinkering with the lineup, Ranieri decided on the 3-4-2-1 formation, showcasing the return of experienced defender Mats Hummels, who had been sidelined by illness. The starting eleven also featured Dybala and El Shaarawy supporting the lone striker, Dovbyk.
On the other hand, Fabio Pecchia’s Parma fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to snap their three-match losing streak, which included a recent defeat to Verona. With Estevez out due to injury, Parma relied on their young talents and returning players hoping to seize the opportunity against Roma.
Kickoff welcomed a packed stadium, and the tension was palpable as the home side took control from the outset. It only took Roma a few minutes to capitalize on their momentum. Dybala, ever the maestro, quickly earned himself the first penalty after being fouled by Balogh. With precision, he stepped up and slotted the ball home, putting the Giallorossi on the scoreboard early.
Following the penalty, Roma was hungry for more and doubled their lead shortly after, with Saelemaekers finding the back of the net, courtesy of Angelino's assist. The rapid succession of goals completely demoralized Parma, who struggled to maintain their composure against Roma’s offensive onslaught.
Parma remained stagnant throughout the first half, unable to mount any significant response. Players such as Man and Hernani, who were relied upon to generate chances, found themselves increasingly isolated as Roma's defense stifled their every attempt. Meanwhile, Ranieri’s tactical adjustments proved effective as the midfield combination of Koné and Paredes controlled the rhythm of play.
The second half brought little reprieve for the visitors. Dybala struck again to secure his brace, confirming his resurgence after previous injury setbacks. The referee initially deemed the effort offside, but after consultations, the goal stood, delivering another blow to Parma’s hopes.
Paredes continued the rout from the penalty spot later, adding to PSG's misery before Dovbyk capped off the resounding victory with the fifth goal, highlighted by Dybala's brilliant assist. The comprehensive performance not only showcased Roma's attacking prowess but also exposed the defensive disarray within the Parma setup.
After the match, tensions ran high for Pecchia’s side, now firmly ensconced within the relegation zone and needing urgent points to stave off immediate danger. On the contrary, Ranieri’s squad expressed their relief and intention to build upon this momentum heading forward, with their eyes set on the upcoming match against Milan.
This match served as both a demonstration of Roma's potential and Parma's vulnerabilities, igniting discussions about both teams' trajectories as they navigate the remainder of the Serie A season. Both coaching staff must now strategize accordingly, with Roma riding the wave of confidence and Parma facing the harsh reality of their current form.
The next few weeks will prove pivotal as the teams assess their paths; for Roma, the aim is to establish consistency and maintain their push toward higher standings, whereas Parma needs to find solutions fast to avoid slipping out of Italy's top division.
