Parma, 10 December 2023 - Coach, Fabio Pecchia’s comments following Parma’s draw against Palermo on Matchday 16 of the Serie BKT championship. 

‘It would have been criminal to have lost that game considering our performance. We went down two goals in the first half, Brunori scored two incredible goals and I congratulate him for them. The boys put in a performance of intensity, quality and tempo. All that was missing were the goals, which came right at the end of the match. To lose that would have been hard. The squad that I have at my disposal, with whom I have been working since last year, I really enjoy managing them and getting the most out of everyone. If we want to play to win, I need everyone. It annoys me when you talk about coming on from the bench. It is a fact, but it is about the whole squad. Bernabé, spectacular? As well as Bernabé, I would also like to say that Coulibaly had a fantastic game with his tempo and intensity on the defensive line. Adrian was good, but the whole group were good. It was great to see the whole stadium in such fantastic joy at the end despite the fact it was only a draw. But there was an immense joy, an enthusiasm that we have to hold on to. The performances of individuals were good but the team never gave up. In the 90th minute, two goals down but this is the best performance we’ve put in this year.

In terms of quality, intensity, rhythm, continuity. The team remained clear-headed, and cynical even right at the end. A team full of awareness that dominated far and wide, we were two goals down for almost the entire game. But it’s a wonderful feeling to see the Tardini with such a fantastic atmosphere despite a draw. Our mental clarity was awarded right at the end. Mihaila? I’m happy for Vale, he got into the area very well before the goal. And then the goal, we had said that it was just about to come. I may be boring but we really need everybody. Mihaila found the target again after a long time with Parma, hopefully, it will settle him now. Today was a great game, with the humility of always going after them, and recovering the ball quickly. We brought many of the good things we did in Florence with us, we have to build on this extraordinary performance now.'