In a match that encapsulated the chaos and drama of Serie A's final stretch, AS Roma completed a stunning 3-2 comeback against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini afterwards mockingly agreeing with opponent's claims that refereeing decisions favored his side. The victory, secured by a controversial stoppage-time penalty converted by Donyell Malen, kept Roma firmly in the hunt for a Champions League place and set up a blockbuster derby against Lazio.
Roma appeared to be heading for a damaging defeat after Parma overturned an early lead. Malen had given the Giallorossi the advantage in the first half, but second-half strikes from Strefezza and Keita left Gasperini's men trailing 2-1 with time running out. The visitors, however, showed immense resilience as Rensch equalized in injury time before the dramatic penalty decision that swung the contest.
The defining moment came deep into added time when referee Chiffi, after consulting the pitchside monitor, awarded Roma a penalty for a foul inside the box. Parma's staff and players were livid, with defender Cuesta leading the accusations of bias, suggesting that such calls always seem to benefit the capital club. In the post-match press conference, Gasperini deflected the criticism with biting sarcasm: “There are images, all of Italy will see them—Cuesta is right, they seem very obvious to me.”
While Parma felt aggrieved, the Italian coach’s reaction underscored his belief that the decision was justified. Video replays appeared to show clear contact, and Gasperini’s ironic nod to Cuesta’s complaint—“As he says, everyone in Italy sees it”—was a masterclass in verbal jousting. It also reflected the high stakes environment where every decision is scrutinized, particularly for a team chasing a top-four finish.
Beyond the controversy, Gasperini praised his side’s character. “It has rarely happened to me to go from 2-1 to 3-2 in added time. It shows these lads have heart,” he said, admitting he couldn’t bear to watch Malen’s spot-kick directly and instead glimpsed it on the stadium screen. The coach highlighted the difficulty of turning around a match so late, especially against a compact Parma side that had defended resolutely and relied on the heroics of goalkeeper Suzuki.
The drama on the pitch was matched by suspense off it, as Gasperini addressed the future of star forward Paulo Dybala. With the Argentinian’s contract situation unresolved, reports have swirled that the upcoming derby against Lazio could be his final appearance at the Stadio Olimpico in a Roma shirt. Gasperini refused to shut down the speculation, saying: “Dybala said the derby will be his last game at the Olimpico? Who knows, there’s still a week to go.”
The potential loss of Dybala, who has been a creative fulcrum when fit, would be a blow to Roma’s ambitions. The coach lamented the months the forward missed through injury, acknowledging that his availability in the run-in is crucial. If the derby does mark Dybala’s farewell, it would add an emotional layer to an already pivotal fixture.
Roma’s triumph lifted them to 67 points, level with AC Milan—who have a game in hand—and just one point behind Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, who won at Lecce. With only two matchdays remaining, the race for the final Champions League berths is razor-thin. The derby against Lazio now looms as a season-defining clash, with Roma knowing that anything less than a win could end their top-four hopes.
Gasperini struck a realistic note about the uphill battle. “We know this win isn’t enough,” he said. “We have to give our best without regrets, and also hope for some missteps from our rivals.” The manager’s calm assessment belies the fire his team has shown in recent weeks, and the comeback at Parma demonstrated the kind of spirit that could unsettle Lazio in the derby.
The match also highlighted the fine margins that define Serie A’s elite. Roma were dominant for spells, creating numerous chances only to be thwarted by Suzuki’s brilliance, but they found a way to prevail. Gasperini’s side has now shown an ability to win ugly when necessary, a trait often required for Champions League qualification.
Since taking over, Gasperini has instilled a never-say-die attitude in a squad that has often struggled for consistency. The mental strength to overturn late deficits is a hallmark of his coaching, and the squad’s reaction to setbacks this season suggests genuine growth. The victory over Parma, regardless of the penalty flashpoint, was another data point in that narrative.
As the focus shifts to the derby, Roma will need to harness the same resilience while navigating the emotional currents of Dybala’s possible goodbye. For now, Gasperini can savor a win that keeps the Champions League dream alive—and a witty post-match retort that will be replayed across Italy. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
