STADIO ENNIO TARDINI (Parma): For the first time in their history, Parma have been crowned Serie B champions. The Crociati sealed promotion on Wednesday with a 1-1 draw away at Bari, and another 1-1 draw with Cremonese on Sunday saw them confirm the Serie B title as second-placed Como were unable to win away at Modena.
With the Tardini and the city in party mode from long before kick-off, things erupted when Gialloblu looked to have gone ahead early on through Valentin Mihaila. The goal was ruled out for what was deemed to have been a handball from the Romanian as his initial shot bounced back off the goalkeeper and into him before finishing at the second time of asking.
Already feeling hard done by, Parma were incensed when Botond Balogh was then harshly dismissed for what was interpreted to be the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity. The hosts had to dig in, and despite falling behind to a fine strike from former player Franco Vazquez, Fabio Pecchia‘s men rallied and managed to force their way back into the game.
Mihaila did get on the scoresheet about 10 minutes into the second half, and Charles Pickel was later dismissed for Cremonese for a second booking.
The draw was enough for Parma to confirm that they would return to Serie A as Serie B champions, with Como failing to win away at Modena meaning the Crociati could not be caught on the final matchday.
President Kyle Krause reacts to Parma’s promotion and Serie B title win
“It has been [a long time coming],” a delighted Krause told Total Italian Football, surrounded by 10,000 Gialloblu supporters in the city’s main and most central square.
“There was a lot of chaos today,” Krause added. “But the boys played fantastically and they’ve done that all year.
“It was a crazy game and it showed the depth this team has, and the togetherness of the team. It was a great indication of how the season went for us.
“Now we’re thinking about next season, and maybe even the season after that too [laughs].”
