Parma 0-2 Cremonese: Serie A 2025-26 match report

Cremonese secured a vital three points at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Saturday, defeating Parma 2-0 in a contest defined by a clinical second-half surge. Under the guidance of Marco Giampaolo, the visitors executed a disciplined 4-4-2 setup that gradually dismantled Carlos Cuesta’s 3-4-3 formation, leaving the hosts frustrated in front of their home supporters.

The opening

The first half was a tactical stalemate, characterized by cautious play and a lack of clear-cut opportunities for either side. Parma, operating with a three-man defensive line, looked to control the tempo, but struggled to penetrate the compact two banks of four employed by Cremonese. Giampaolo’s side appeared content to absorb pressure, focusing on defensive solidity and minimizing space in the final third.

The intensity shifted immediately following the interval. Recognizing the need for a more dynamic approach, Giampaolo introduced A. Zerbin for T. Barbieri at the start of the second half. The substitution provided an immediate spark, forcing Parma to adjust their defensive shape. While Barbieri picked up a caution in the 50th minute, the tactical shift allowed Cremonese to transition with greater speed, setting the stage for the breakthrough.

The decisive moment

The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Y. Maleh found the back of the net. The goal forced Cuesta to respond immediately, as he introduced O. Sørensen and A. Circati on the hour mark in an attempt to stabilize the midfield and provide a new focal point in attack. However, the momentum remained firmly with the visitors.

Cremonese doubled their lead in the 68th minute through J. Vandeputte. The goal, assisted by J. Vardy, was the culmination of a well-worked attacking sequence that exposed the gaps in Parma’s defensive transition. Vardy’s vision created the necessary space for Vandeputte, who finished with composure to effectively seal the result.

Parma’s attempts to find a way back into the match proved futile. Despite a flurry of substitutions—including M. Keita and J. Ondrejka—the home side struggled to create high-quality chances. As the game entered the final stages, the frustration became evident in the disciplinary record. A series of cautions for J. Ondrejka, M. Troilo, G. Pezzella, and L. Valenti highlighted the physical nature of the closing minutes, but Cremonese successfully managed the clock to preserve their clean sheet.

Looking ahead

The result serves as a significant boost for Cremonese, who demonstrated the tactical discipline required to secure points on the road in a competitive Serie A environment. For Parma, the home defeat necessitates a period of reflection as Cuesta looks to address the lack of offensive penetration that hampered his side throughout the 90 minutes.