Parma finish their Serie A campaign with a home win over Sassuolo as Pellegrino’s late header seals the Emilia derby on Matchday 38
Parma closed out the Serie A season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sassuolo in the Emilia derby, thanks to a late winning goal from Mateo Pellegrino at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when substitute Pontus Almqvist delivered a perfect cross into the box and Pellegrino rose highest to head home his ninth league goal of the campaign, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The match started at a lively pace, with Parma controlling possession early and looking the more proactive side in attack. Cristian Chivu’s team created pressure in the final third, although clear-cut chances remained limited throughout the first half.
Sassuolo nearly stole the lead against the run of play through debutant Macchioni. After a dangerous free kick from Domenico Berardi was parried by Corvi, the young defender failed to convert the rebound from close range.
The visitors continued to threaten after halftime, once again inspired by Berardi’s creativity. The veteran winger delivered an excellent pass for Armand Laurienté, but the French forward wasted a huge opportunity in front of goal, summing up Sassuolo’s frustrating afternoon in attack.
As the tempo slowed in the second half, Parma found fresh energy through the introduction of Almqvist, who immediately brought pace and movement down the flank. His impact ultimately changed the game, setting up Pellegrino’s decisive header late on.
The victory allows Parma to finish the season on a positive note in front of their home crowd, while Sassuolo are left to reflect on missed chances despite another influential performance from Berardi.
Match Report
Parma 1-0 Sassuolo
Scorer: Pellegrino 81’ (Parma)
Parma (3-5-2)
Corvi; Troilo, Circati, Valenti (61′ Ndiaye); Britschgi (72′ Almqvist), Ordonez, Nicolussi Caviglia, Keita (72′ Sorensen), Valeri (76′ Carboni); Mikolajewski (46′ Cardinali), Pellegrino.
Coach: Carlos Cuesta
Sassuolo (4-3-3)
Turati; Coulibaly, Idzes (54′ Pedro Felipe), Macchioni, Garcia; Thorstvedt, Lipani (83′ Volpato), Koné (65′ Matic); Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté (65′ Nzola).
Coach: Fabio Grosso
Referee: Turrini
Yellow Cards: Britschgi, Thorstvedt, Macchioni, Valenti
Red Cards: None
