A Night of Drama, Red Cards, and Free-Kick Magic
In a match where tension and tactical grit collided, AS Roma edged out Parma 1-0 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Argentinian midfielder Matías Soulé. The victory propelled Roma to their ninth consecutive unbeaten Serie A result, while Parma’s relegation fears deepened with a fourth straight defeat .
The Deciding Moment: Soulé’s Masterclass
The game turned on its head in the 31st minute when Parma defender Giovanni Leoni was controversially sent off after a VAR review overturned an initial penalty decision. Instead, a free-kick was awarded just outside the box. Soulé stepped up and delivered a jaw-dropping curler that bent over the wall and dipped viciously under the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki rooted to the spot .
The strike—Soulé’s first league goal since November—showcased his dead-ball prowess and cemented his status as Roma’s rising star. Sky Sport Italia hailed it as a “gioiello” (jewel), a fitting description for a goal that combined precision and flair .
Parma’s Resilience Meets Roma’s Ruthlessness
Despite playing with 10 men for nearly an hour, Parma fought valiantly. Ange-Yoan Bonny threatened early, forcing Roma’s Gianluca Mancini into a last-ditch tackle, while Suzuki produced a miraculous double save to deny Soulé and Salah-Eddine in the second half . But Parma’s attacking efforts lacked cutting edge, with Simon Sohm blazing over from promising positions.
Roma, missing the injured Paulo Dybala and suspended Bryan Cristante, leaned on their defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar stayed composed under pressure, and debutant Anass Salah-Eddine impressed on the left flank, nearly scoring in a chaotic goal-line scramble .
Tactical Shifts and Subplots
Claudio Ranieri’s decision to rotate his squad ahead of Roma’s Europa League return leg against Porto paid off. Eldor Shomurodov led the line in place of Artem Dovbyk, while Leandro Paredes orchestrated midfield control . For Parma, injuries to key players like Milan Djuric and Valentin Mihaila left manager Fabio Pecchia scrambling for solutions. His gamble on Dennis Man and Bonny upfront yielded little reward .
What This Means for Both Sides
Roma’s third straight away win tightens their grip on ninth place, keeping Champions League hopes alive—albeit faintly. For Parma, now 18th and winless in 2025, the pressure mounts. Pecchia’s job hangs in the balance, with fans demanding a turnaround to avoid Serie B .
Key Takeaways
1. Soulé’s Star Rises: The 22-year-old’s free-kick heroics underscored his growing influence in Dybala’s absence.
2. VAR Drama: The red card and overturned penalty decision sparked debate, highlighting technology’s double-edged role .
3. Parma’s Plight: Four consecutive losses and a leaky defense (44 goals conceded) signal a relegation battle.
4. Roma’s Resilience: Without key players, Ranieri’s men showcased grit—a promising sign for their European ambitions.
Final Word
As Roma fans celebrate a hard-fought victory, Parma’s supporters are left wondering where their next win will come from. With Soulé’s magic and Suzuki’s heroics, this clash was a microcosm of Serie A’s drama: unpredictable, emotional, and unforgettable.