PARMA, Italy — For the second time in a row, Parma‘s plans to celebrate their Serie A survival came crashing down as Como edged them out 1-0 on May 3, 2025. With a tense match filled with missed opportunities, a late goal from Gabriel Strefezza sealed the fate for the Ducali.
The match unfolded at the Stadio Tardini, where both teams needed a win. Parma, missing several key players including Pontus Almqvist, Alessandro Vogliacco, and others due to injury, faced a strong Como side that also had its share of absentees, notably Alberto Dossena and Sergi Roberto.
Como came out swinging from the start, with Patrick Cutrone‘s weak effort being conveniently saved by Parma’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Jonathan Ikoné showcased an impressive acrobatic attempt from Maxence Caqueret‘s cross but sent the ball over the bar.
Parma had a chance of their own when Ange-Yoan Bonny managed to reach the by-line and provided a clever flick to Mateo Pellegrino, who shockingly shot over from close range. Suzuki made a fantastic one-handed save to deny Marc Kempf’s header during a corner, keeping the score level.
After the halftime break, Parma upped their intensity, but a crucial block by Maxi Perrone prevented a tap-in from Antoine Hainaut’s pull-back. Pellegrino’s subsequent header hit the crossbar, a missed chance that echoed through the stadium.
Como almost capitalized on a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute when Ikoné eluded the offside trap, yet his shot found the side-netting instead of the back of the net, marking a crucial turning point in the match.
Parma continued to waste opportunities, notably when Valeri opted to pass instead of shooting at goal. It was Como who eventually broke the deadlock. In the 79th minute, Douvikas, struggling with a poor first touch, found Strefezza, who made no mistake, calmly slotting home.
Parma had a golden opportunity to equalize in stoppage time as Dennis Man threatened twice, but neither of his efforts found the target. One hit the bar, while the other was blocked by a teammate, sealing a frustrating day for the home side.
The match ended with Como celebrating their fifth consecutive victory while Parma, despite their requirements for securing Serie A safety, will have to rue their finishing on the day. The next matches will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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