Parma, 28 December 2024 - Coach Fabio Pecchia's comments at the end of the Parma vs Monza match, on MD18 of Serie A 2024/25:

‘It was extraordinary: the match was crazy in many ways and I don't feel like going into detail about the technical-tactical aspect. But, never as much as today, especially in the first half, have I felt as much love for all my players. The first half was very tough; Monza was in an obvious advantage in every way. It's not a question of approach and we paid dearly for that moment, even though we didn't go under and it ended 0-0 at HT. In the second half, the team was switched on and more mature: it was a more balanced half. We found the way to the goal and we could have done with a few more chances. It's a pity because we got the goal when we were mentally behind. But after that there was the will to persevere, and I'm also happy for Valenti because after a long time, in addition to his performance, he also found the net. He responded in an emergency situation, he held his nerve and kept the helm straight. He responded on the field, and that's all I ask of the guys. That's our job, and that goes for everyone. Nice the way it ended, but it was a very busy day. It's a victory and it's worth three points, nobody will take them away from us. It's a totally different performance to the one against Lazio, the emotions we've experienced over the last few days, the way the game was played, and that's why we all have to come out a little stronger. New Year's resolutions? To help our injured players, which have really affected the group. To recover mental energy, because as we saw on the pitch today, at least in the first half, the boys suffered. Is the game today the turning point? I don't think it's about that. It is a balanced league table around us. We were coming from a particular moment, but today it was important to return to victory and we managed it. I've always said the championship will be a marathon, and we have to let go of the negativity.'