Parma secured a vital 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Emilian Derby, marking a successful Serie A managerial debut for Cristian Chivu. Goals from Ange-Yoan Bonny and Simon Sohm ensured the former Inter and Roma defender enjoyed the perfect start as Parma moved out of the relegation zone.
Parma, who had struggled for form in recent weeks, immediately benefited from Chivu’s arrival, delivering an organised and clinical display. Bologna started aggressively, handing a first start to Niccolò Cambiaghi following his long recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. However, Parma quickly settled, creating early opportunities and showcasing Bonny’s attacking threat.
Their momentum was disrupted when Adrián Bernabé was forced off with an injury after just five minutes, raising further concerns over his fitness. Despite the setback, Parma remained composed, and their patience was rewarded in the 37th minute when Sam Beukema handled the ball inside the box, conceding a penalty.
Bonny, without a goal since 9 November, stepped up confidently and slotted home from the spot, giving Parma the lead. It was a long-awaited breakthrough for the French striker, who had gone 12 matches without scoring.
Bologna pushed for an equaliser before the break, but Leandro Suzuki denied Dan Ndoye with a fine save.
Parma navigated the second half with discipline and control, despite a reckless challenge from Matteo Cancellieri, which could have seen them reduced to ten men. Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano introduced Riccardo Orsolini to inject more creativity, but the visitors struggled to break through Parma’s solid defensive shape.
With 11 minutes remaining, Parma secured the points through a well-executed counter-attack. Substitute Dennis Man, introduced for Cancellieri, made an instant impact, breaking away down the flank before setting up Sohm, who finished clinically past Federico Ravaglia.
The goal capped an impressive debut for Chivu, whose tactical approach reinvigorated key players like Man and Bonny, both of whom could play a pivotal role in Parma’s bid for survival.
The victory lifts Parma to 23 points, temporarily level with Hellas Verona in 17th place, and two points clear of Empoli in the relegation zone. Bologna, meanwhile, suffered a setback in their push for a European place and could fall further behind AC Milan, who are set to play their rescheduled match following the Emilia-Romagna floods.
With Chivu’s tenure off to the perfect start, Parma now have renewed confidence as they battle to avoid relegation in the final stretch of the season.
