Serie A 2025/26: Parma-Roma, Como in Europe, and Pioli in Atalanta’s Sights

The Serie A 2025/26 season continues to deliver thrilling moments and pivotal outcomes in its 36th matchday. At 18:00, at Parma’s Ennio Tardini Stadium, the home side took on Roma in a high-stakes match, particularly for the Champions League race. Gasperini’s Giallorossi entered the game aiming for a win to keep their top-four hopes alive, while the hosts—already secure from relegation—sought to finish the season on a high note.

Andrea Ordonez, one of Parma’s standout players, declared on the eve of the match: "Roma is a top team; we know what’s at stake for them, but we believe in ourselves. We need to play our game, give our all for the fans. We’ve had a great season, achieved our goal, and now we want to end it the best way possible. Today is a big game—we need confidence. Starting? It’s a huge opportunity for me. The fans must support us; we’ll give everything." Manu Koné was equally resolute: "We must focus on ourselves. We’re in good form, and today is crucial—we need to win for the fans. Our quality will show on the pitch. We’re mentally strong and united, reflecting what the coach tells us."

Roma’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, commented in the press conference: "Dybala? Last night, he regained the strength he was missing [laughs]. The timing is right; he’s had the run-in he needed, so he starts today. Parma is strong in low-block defense—they’re organized and have great results with this approach. But they’re also dangerous in attack. It’s a beautiful, vital game for us, and we’re arriving at the right moment. Who are we racing against? Ourselves. No room for error. We can only win to stay in the hunt. Then, mathematically, Juve must drop points, Milan two." On the squad’s value, he added: "This season shows we’re a strong group. We’ll see what happens in the summer."

Elsewhere on Matchday 36, Como secured a historic result, defeating Verona 1-0 at the Bentegodi Stadium thanks to a 71st-minute goal by Douvikas. This victory mathematically guaranteed Como’s qualification for a European competition (Europa League or Conference League) just two years after their Serie A return. Manager Cesc Fàbregas led his team to 65 points, keeping them in the Champions League race while overtaking Roma in the table. Douvikas’ decisive goal propelled the Lariani to success and sealed their European berth.

Elsewhere, Cremonese boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Pisa, courtesy of goals from Vardy and Bonazzoli. Meanwhile, Fiorentina and Genoa played out a 0-0 draw, a result that suits both already-safe sides.

On the managerial front, a transfer market rumor could reshape Atalanta’s future. Stefano Pioli, former Milan and Fiorentina boss, may return to Serie A to lead a top club. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Atalanta is evaluating Pioli as a potential replacement for Palladino, with the final decision resting on the new sporting director. Pioli’s possible return adds intrigue to Atalanta’s technical plans for next season.

The 36th matchday continues tonight with the Milan vs. Atalanta showdown at 20:45, followed tomorrow by Napoli vs. Bologna—another critical fixture for the league standings. In this late-stage sprint, every point is vital, with teams battling for European spots and survival. The suspense is high, and all eyes are on the thrilling climax of an unforgettable season.