Marco Giampaolo made a remarkable debut with Cremonese, pulling Parma back into the relegation fight with exceptional goals from Youssef Maleh and Jari Vandeputte at the Stadio Tardini.
Cremonese found themselves in a state of urgency following the 4-1 defeat to Fiorentina, which left them three points behind in the relegation zone, leading to the dismissal of Davide Nicola. Warren Bondo served a suspension, while Federico Baschirotto, Michele Collocolo, and Faris Moumbagna remained unavailable. In response, Giampaolo shifted to a 4-4-2 formation.
Jari Vandeputte launched a counterattack from his own half, testing Zion Suzuki’s reflexes at the near post, while Federico Bonazzoli executed an impressive overhead kick that soared over the bar.
Cremonese found the back of the net in the 24th minute when Bonazzoli capitalized on a poor clearance, but the goal was disallowed due to Alessio Zerbin being offside in the lead-up.
Mateo Pellegrini sent the first chance for Parma just off target, while Bonazzoli’s subtle header was caught by Suzuki.
Cremonese gained the advantage when a misjudged clearance from Sasha Britschgi landed at the feet of Maleh, who executed a powerful first-time left-foot shot from 20 meters into the far bottom corner. He scored his first Serie A goal since 2021.
They increased their well-earned lead when Jamie Vardy entered the game and, just moments later, delivered the crucial assist, passing from the left for Vandeputte to surge through the middle, taking a touch before outpacing the approaching Suzuki.
Gabriel Strefezza shot high and wide, while Hans Nicolussi Caviglia’s attempt was heading for the goal until it was deflected just inches wide by Sebastiano Luperto’s backside.
Martin Payero had an opportunity to capitalize on a similar Vardy assist late in the game, but unfortunately, his first touch failed him. Cremonese’s most recent win in Serie A occurred on December 7, when they defeated Lecce 2-0, after which they experienced four draws and 11 losses.
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