Parma beat Atalanta 3-0 to give Gilardino his first win

Parma beat Atalanta 3-0 in Bergamo to give Alberto Gilardino his first win. Giovanni Fabbian contributed to the victory, followed by an own goal from Davide Zappacosta and a finish from Simone Lontani. The emphatic result came with both sides competing in Serie A.

Parma extended their lead just after the break when Zappacosta turned an El Bilal Touré cross into his own net. Lontani settled the scoring in the 58th minute, striking right-footed from the edge of the penalty area. Gilardino was pleased with his players’ response, particularly after the difficulties they faced early in the match. Parma also created several chances in addition to their three goals.

The league table added significance to the result. After 10 Serie A matches, Atalanta stood 13th on 11 points, while Parma were 15th on 8, leaving three points between them. Atalanta had recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats, scoring 16 goals and conceding 20. Parma had 2 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats, with 8 goals scored and 15 conceded. In their last five league matches, both sides had won once. Parma had also lost three times, compared with two defeats for Atalanta, who had drawn twice.

Gilardino emphasised confidence and collective commitment: «I’m happy for the players and the team. I had asked them to believe in these players.» He also highlighted the defensive discipline and shared sacrifice needed to keep a clean sheet. «We defended well and created many chances, as well as scoring three goals. It is essential for us to understand our potential,» he said.

Gilardino highlighted Sierro and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, and commended Fabbian’s progress and midfield role. «Fabbian is a player I have wanted in my team for a long time,» he said, adding that the midfielder could still improve his ball management. He also praised the performances of El Bilal Touré and Lontani.

Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri found the defeat difficult to explain after his team’s promising first half. «We conceded just before the break and came back with the wrong emotional attitude. We paid a heavy price for that,» he said. Sarri also criticised Atalanta’s lack of ruthlessness in decisive moments.