Noceto, 26 November 2023 – Parma vs. Bologna ended 3-1 on matchday 9 in Women's Serie B on Sunday 26 November at the Noce in Noceto.
Before kick-off, a photo of the two teams together and a minute of applause with the teams embracing each other for International Day for Violence against Women was held, according to the requests made by the FIGC Women's Serie B Division.
The Crociate took the lead inside 2' through Gaia DiStefano, who started and finished off a move: the number 27 played a ball deep into the opposition's half for Odette Kelly Gago to pick it; she then put in a low cross for her teammate to slot home with her left from in front of goal (1-0).
Parma kept the pressure on: Caterina Fracaros' free-kick failed to worry opposing goalkeeper, Nicole Lauria, after 5 minutes. Two minutes later, however, the visitors first opportunity: Martina Gelmetti, launched through on goal, was beaten to the ball by the ever confident Eveljn Frigotto who, then, in the 12th minute, also blocked out Greta Lucia Raggi's cross-come-shot from the right.
In the 25th minute, Captain Caterina Ambrosi's mistake was taken advantage of by Martina Gelmetti who, from a central position, shot at goal, but her effort was too weak and central, with Eveljn Frigotto diving and keeping out comfortably. In the 33rd minute, an excellent setup from Gaia DiStefano put in Caterina Ferin, who missed the ball and the action fell away. In the 43rd minute, Elena Nichele shot from distance, with the ball ending up way behind.
Right on the stroke of half-time (45'), Parma doubled their lead: following a corner kick, a melee in the area saw the ball drop to Gaia DiStefano whose left-footed strike was fired in under the crossbar to make it 2-0.
Coach Simone Bragantini made two Rossoblù changes at the break: Isabel Cacciamali coming on for Valentina Colombo and Gaia Farina for Zala Kustrin. In the 47th minute, a free kick on the right by Caterina Fracaros was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Nicole Lauria, and the central defender then tried once again from the left corner flag, finding Caterina Ferin's volley from the centre of the area to make it 3-0.
Bologna looked to reply, with Sara Gradisek having an effort from the edge of the area saved by Eveljn Frigotto after 52 minutes. In the 57th minute, the Crociate's first yellow card was given to Vivien Beil for a strong midfield challenge on Greta Lucia Raggi. On the hour mark, Odette Kelly Gago, in front of goalkeeper Nicole Lauria, tried to knock it past the Bolognese goalkeeper, but she somehow managed to get a touch on it, diverting the trajectory of the ball onto the post.
Coach Stefano Colantuono's first substitution was made on 75 minutes: there was a standing ovation for Gaia DiStefano, who was replaced by Anastasia Spyridonidou. At the same time, Bologna's Francesca Barbaresi came off with Linda Giovagnoli taking her place.
In the 77th minute, referee, Adam Collier, awarded Bologna a penalty kick following an error by Eveljn Frigotto, who lost the ball and was forced to bring down Zala Kustrin in the box: the Slovenian picked herself up and converted, despite Eveljn Frigotto guessing the right way (3-1).
The Bolognese pushed for a second: on 79 minutes, Martina Gelmetti attempted a long-distance lob, but missed the target. A minute later, a second substitution for Parma was made with Giorgia Miotto coming on for Caterina Ferin, who had requested to come off. Three minutes before the end of normal time, Bologna's Greta Lucia Raggi replaced Michelle Marilyn Antolini.
During two minutes of injury time, only a double substitution for Parma was of note: Odette Kelly Gago off for Aurora Pantano and Vivien Beil replacing Melissa Nozzi, while for Bologna Benedetta De Biase came off for Beatrice Sciarrone. All smiles for Parma with a 3-1 win in the derby. The Crociate now have 22 points and remain second in the table, two points behind the leading trio of Cesena, Ternana and Lazio, all winners this weekend.
