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At the end of Parma-Napoli, the coach of Parma, Cristian Chivu, spoke at a press conference to comment on the match.

Below is an excerpt of the words of the Parma coach after the valuable draw at home against Napoli, which sees Parma take another important step towards safety.

Parma, Chivu’s words

Once again personality and character against a big team: are you satisfied?

“It was the best first half since I’ve been here in terms of intensity, courage, and determination. It’s never easy to face a team like Napoli, but the boys put on a great performance. In the second half, inevitably, the energy levels dropped: cramps, fatigue set in, and we knew we would have to make changes.

Some players, like Circati, had less than an hour in their legs, but they gave everything. I want to praise his performance, I had already done it in the dressing room: it wasn’t easy to come back after so long. He confirmed what he showed in training. Leoni also deserves credit, who against an opponent like Lukaku didn’t lose a duel, using physical strength and intelligence. Balogh also deserves recognition. I don’t like to talk about individuals, but considering the pressure they were under, these three had a great game.”

What happened in the episode of the expulsion?

“I consider myself the usual idiot who gets in the middle to separate and ends up taking the hits. I raised my arms to separate, but the referee interpreted it differently. I don’t know what information he received. I apologize to the boys because I won’t be on the bench. I’m sorry, but I’m used to it: I’ve taken blows in the past, I took them today, and I’ll take them again. I turn the other cheek, it’s not a problem.”

PARMA FANS (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Now focus on Bergamo: points are needed.

“Yes, we knew we had to get points from the moment I arrived. If today we are still in the race for safety, it’s thanks to the boys, their seriousness, and the courage with which they have immersed themselves in a complicated reality. They have always given their best. One game left and we are used to living intense weeks like this, knowing that every Serie A match is difficult.”

Important response after last week’s poor performance.

“I am proud of the group. They have always given everything: character, physicality, technique, and tactics. It’s thanks to them that we are still here fighting. They want to stay in Serie A, they want it for the city and for this shirt. Today, for example, Bernabé had only one training session but was willing to play. This should be emphasized: there is love for the shirt and a desire to leave everything on the field.”

How much did the experience of the more experienced players weigh?

“I prefer to call them more experienced. To stay up, you need everything. Vogliacco was on the bench without training, tightly wrapped, ready to come in if necessary. At risk of getting injured again. This shows how much they care about the cause. They understood the situation, they want to get out of it together.”

Can the draw with Napoli give the decisive push towards the last game?

“In football, there are always ups and downs. Today too, there are many things to improve, but these boys have always given their best. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes you draw. But defeats shouldn’t make you lose your head: they should teach you. The growth in character has been evident. Episodes decide games, but attitude and desire make the difference.

We want to finish on a high, stay in Serie A. The boys deserve it for how much they have suffered and given this year, and our fans deserve it. Today they welcomed us wonderfully: charged and energetic. Yesterday you asked me if I had a message for them, today I say it clearly: this team will do everything to repay the love the city has for this shirt. I wish it would always be like this at the Tardini. Despite the daily difficulties, this group is fighting to the end for our goal.”