Cremonese Beat Parma 2-0 in Serie A

Marco Giampaolo wins debut with Cremonese

Gabriel Strefezza's shot sailed high and wide, but Hans Nicolussi Caviglia's strike was looking good until it was deflected inches wide off Sebastiano Luperto.

Cremonese secure vital 2-0 win over Parma, move away from relegation zone...

Marco Giampaolo's Cremonese debut was a dream come true, with rare goals from Youssef Maleh and Jari Vandeputte dragging Parma back into the relegation battle at the Stadio Tardini. Maleh scored his first Serie A goal since 2021, a ferocious left-foot strike from 20 meters, while Vandeputte netted the second after a Jamie Vardy assist.

Parma, despite being mid-table, had struggled for form, picking up just two points from their last three games, including a 4-1 loss to Torino. They were also without Enrico Delprato, who was suspended, and several injured players, including Adrian Bernabé, Benja Cremaschi, Pontus Almqvist, and Matija Frigan.

Cremonese's desperation grew after their 4-1 loss to Fiorentina, which left them three points away from safety, leading to the sacking of Davide Nicola. With key players Warren Bondo, Federico Baschirotto, Michele Collocolo, and Faris Moumbagna missing, new coach Giampaolo opted for a 4-4-2 formation.

Cremonese's strong second half performance secures the win in Parma 💪✅#ParmaCremonese pic.twitter.com/wN3I2ymAEP

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 21, 2026

Jari Vandeputte's lightning-fast counter-attack caught Parma off guard, and he scored with a precise shot past Zion Suzuki at the near post. Federico Bonazzoli's acrobatic overhead kick was less fortunate, flashing over the bar.

Cremonese thought they'd scored on 24 minutes, but the goal was disallowed as Alessio Zerbin was offside in the build-up. Bonazzoli had tapped in a poor clearance, but the flag was raised anyway. 

Youssef Maleh is the Panini Player of the Match! 🏆#ParmaCremonese pic.twitter.com/7RgVvRrjmz

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 21, 2026

Mateo Pellegrini's early shot for Parma flew just wide, while Federico Bonazzoli's header was expertly saved by Zion Suzuki. The game turned in Cremonese's favor when Sasha Britschgi's clearance error gifted Youssef Maleh a chance, and he seized it with a powerful left-foot strike from 20 meters, scoring his first Serie A goal since 2021.

Cremonese's lead was doubled, and it was a well-deserved second goal. Jamie Vardy, just off the bench, provided the decisive assist, rolling the ball across for Jari Vandeputte to score. Vandeputte's composure shone through as he beat Zion Suzuki to make it 2-0. 

A perfect start for Marco Giampaolo 😍👏#ParmaCremonese pic.twitter.com/5xa481DRoA

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 21, 2026