Collecchio, 14 February 2026 – coach Carlos Cuesta held a press conference at the Mutti Training Center ahead of the Serie A Matchday 25 clash against Hellas Verona.
PARMA: BALANCE IS KEY
'We want to have confidence but also balance. We must be aware of the importance of the match and how we need to approach it; we have to be even-tempered, knowing the opponent’s strengths. It will be a tough and difficult game, and we’ll need to give our best in order to win it. We must be very focused and attack every ball with maximum intensity, and we'll need to rely on everyone to adopt that same mentality.
A direct clash? Possibly, but we must approach it in a measured way and the players are aware of that. It will be difficult, so we have to be ourselves — that’s the most important thing.
Eleven points ahead of Verona? I’ve never thought about signing off on results. I’m focused on our ongoing process: these numbers show that we’re doing something right and improving, but we also know we must continue to work. Our objective is clear: to stay in Serie A. All decisions and processes are linked to that same goal. We must remain steadfast in every moment to try to achieve the result we want.
Squad news? Everyone has the chance to start. Regarding specific players, Lautaro Valenti has trained with the group and is available, but Nahuel Estévez has not trained with the team.'
VERONA: AGGRESSIVE AND VERTICAL
'They are a very vertical and aggressive team. They compete for every duel and each second ball, and have quality players up front who they constantly look to attack through, so they can be challenging. We must bring our best, staying aware of what we've done well so far and look to play to our strengths.
Are we anticipating more possession against Verona? It’s a possibility. Match dynamics change depending on the occasion: against Atalanta we had more possession; against Bologna less. We can’t try to predict results based on the table, but just have to focus on playing our game in the best possible way.'
TALKING POINTS AFTER BOLOGNA
'The match against Bologna showed that our strengths are a product of team cohesion and an incredible group spirit. At the same time, we want to improve aspects like offensive production. We must seek to improve while maintaining the strengths that have brought us success. In Bologna we played to win, and I couldn't have been prouder of that mindset. We must always approach matches in the way we feel best utilises our qualities. That has to be the case with every game.'
THE GROUP AND ITS STRENGTHS
'All the players are training very well. The hardest decision for a coach is choosing the starting XI and what changes to make during a match. Everyone deserves the opportunity to play. Our squad depth proved to be a real strength in Bologna: understanding the impact someone can bring in just one minute, five minutes: every action counts. With five substitutions allowed, you can change half the team and make a real impact from the bench.
We are on a good run of form, but the process is far from complete. We are aware of the good things we’ve achieved – otherwise we wouldn’t be where we are – but are we satisfied? No. Do we want more? Yes. To achieve results, we must rely on our cohesion and the quality of our players, giving them the right conditions to give their best.
Expected Goals don’t consider every dangerous situation or small detail. Against Atalanta we produced 1.5 xG and didn’t score. Football is complex and must be analysed from many perspectives, not just one.'
