Parma vs Sassuolo

Both sides came into the fixture with their survival secured, allowing for a relatively relaxed atmosphere compared to the pressure of a relegation battle. Parma dominated proceedings throughout, controlling 52% of possession and registering 16 shots compared to Sassuolo's modest six attempts. The home team's expected goals (xG) of 1.22 reflected their superiority, while Sassuolo registered 0.92 xG despite their defensive struggles.

The opening 45 minutes saw little goalmouth action, with both teams content to feel each other out. Parma showed more intent going forward, but Sassuolo's disciplined approach kept them in the contest. Yellow cards were distributed freely—Sascha Britschgi (7'), Kristian Thorstvedt (18'), Tommaso Macchioni (21'), and Lautaro Valenti (30') all received cautions as the referee maintained a firm grip on proceedings.

Despite enjoying more of the ball, Parma could not find the breakthrough before the interval, with both sides heading into halftime level at 0-0.

The second period saw increased intensity as both teams pushed for the opening goal. Parma made a double substitution at the 46-minute mark, introducing Damian Mikolajewski for Andrea Cardinali. Sassuolo responded with their own changes, but it was the home side's greater attacking intent that eventually paid dividends.

As the match progressed, Parma's pressure mounted. The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Pellegrino rose to meet a cross from Pontus Almqvist and powered a header past Sassuolo's goalkeeper. The goal sent the Stadio Ennio Tardini into raptures and effectively settled the contest.

Both teams made further substitutions in the closing stages as Parma sought to manage the game while Sassuolo pushed unsuccessfully for an equalizer. The final whistle came with Parma securing a well-deserved three points.

Parma's superior possession and shot count reflected their dominance, with the home side creating more clear-cut opportunities throughout. Sassuolo, despite their defensive solidity in patches, struggled to generate meaningful attacking play and rarely troubled Parma's goalkeeper. The visitors' conservative approach—understandable given their secure league position—meant they rarely threatened an upset.

Parma's use of the flanks, particularly through Almqvist's service that created the winning goal, proved effective against a Sassuolo side that appeared content to wind down their campaign. The home team's five substitutions allowed them to manage fatigue while maintaining their attacking threat.

Both clubs finished their campaigns with their top-flight status confirmed. Parma's victory lifted them to a final tally of 45 points, while Sassuolo ended the season in 11th place with 49 points—a respectable finish for both sides given the competitive nature of Serie A.

The Emilian derby proved to be a fitting conclusion to the season for both clubs, with Parma leaving the pitch with the satisfaction of a derby victory and Sassuolo departing with their heads held high despite the defeat.