Parma vs AS Roma: Serie A Clash on May 10, 2026

Stadio Ennio Tardini stages an intriguing clash on 10 May 2026 as mid-table Parma host European-chasing AS Roma in Serie A. With two rounds left after this Matchday 36 fixture, Parma sit 12th on 42 points, comfortably clear of trouble but still chasing a top-half finish, while Roma, fifth on 64 points, are protecting their Europa League position and eyeing any late slip from the top four.

This is not a cup tie, so there is no direct 1/4 final prize on offer, but the stakes are clear: Parma are playing for status and momentum after a season of consolidation; Roma are playing for Europe and prestige.

Form and season context

In the league, Parma’s campaign has been defined by resilience more than flair. They have taken 42 points from 35 games with a negative goal difference of -17 (25 scored, 42 conceded). The all-competitions form string for the season – “LDLDWLDDLLDWLWLWDLWDDLLWWWDDLLDDWWL” – underlines their streaky nature: long runs without wins punctuated by short bursts of success. Recently, though, the league form is more stable: “LWWDD” from the last five suggests they are harder to beat and still competitive against most opponents.

At home, however, Parma have struggled to turn the Tardini into a fortress. In 17 home league matches they have won only 4, drawn 6 and lost 7, scoring just 13 and conceding 22. An average of 0.8 goals for and 1.3 against per home game speaks to a team that often finds itself outgunned. They have kept 4 home clean sheets but have failed to score in 7 of those 17, a key reason why they sit in mid-table rather than closer to the European places.

Roma arrive with a far more assertive statistical profile. In the league they boast 20 wins, 4 draws and 11 defeats from 35 games, with 52 goals scored and only 29 conceded for a goal difference of +23. Their recent league form, “WWDWL”, indicates they remain on track for Europe despite the occasional setback.

Home form has been the bedrock of Roma’s season (12 wins in 18), but their away record is still strong: 8 wins, 1 draw and 8 defeats from 17 away fixtures, with 21 scored and 19 conceded. An average of 1.2 goals scored and 1.1 conceded away suggests a more cautious, balanced Roma on their travels, but one that still tends to edge tight contests. Six away clean sheets underline their defensive structure.

Tactical outlook: structures and key men

Parma’s tactical identity in 2025 has revolved around flexible back-three systems. Their most used formation is 3-5-2 (16 league matches), with occasional switches to 4-3-3 (6), 3-4-2-1 (4) and other variants. That points to a coach comfortable adjusting the shape but generally favouring numerical strength in the middle third and wing-backs providing width.

The numbers tell us Parma are a low-scoring side: only 25 goals in 35 league games, with their biggest winning margin at home just 2-1. Their highest-scoring home result is 2-1; their heaviest home defeat is 1-4. They rarely blow teams away but can be stubborn, as evidenced by 12 clean sheets across all venues and 15 matches where they have failed to score.

The focal point is clearly Mateo Pellegrino. The Argentine forward has 8 league goals and 1 assist from 34 appearances, starting 32 of them and playing 2,774 minutes. He averages 50 shots (21 on target), and while his finishing has not been prolific, his volume and involvement are crucial for a side that otherwise struggles for goals. Pellegrino is heavily involved in duels (495, with 213 won) and draws 63 fouls, indicating a target man who battles physically, helps Parma gain territory and wins set-pieces. He has scored 1 penalty from 1 attempt, and with Parma converting 2 of 2 penalties as a team this season, set-piece opportunities are a rare but important source of goals.

Roma, by contrast, are built around a sharp front line supported by a solid back three. Their most common formation is 3-4-2-1 (27 matches), with occasional use of 3-4-1-2 and 3-5-2. This gives them a strong central block, wing-backs to stretch the pitch and two attacking midfielders or second strikers to play between the lines.

Donyell Malen has been the standout attacking figure. In 15 league appearances (all starts, 1,221 minutes), he has 11 goals and 2 assists, averaging nearly a goal every 110 minutes. With 40 shots and 24 on target, he is Roma’s most efficient finisher, combining volume with accuracy. His rating of 7.32 reflects his importance: he not only scores but also contributes 7 key passes and a decent dribbling output (34 attempts, 13 successful). From the spot, Malen has scored 2 penalties from 2, and Roma as a team are 4 from 4 on penalties this season, giving them a reliable edge in high-pressure moments.

Defensively, Roma’s structure is impressive: only 29 goals conceded in 35 league matches (0.8 per game) and 16 clean sheets overall. Their biggest defeat away is 5-2, showing that when they do collapse it can be heavy, but those occasions are rare. More commonly, they keep games under control, especially with a back three that has been largely consistent throughout the campaign.

Team news and selection issues

Parma are definitely without M. Frigan, ruled out with a knee injury. That limits their attacking rotation and may place even more responsibility on Pellegrino to lead the line. B. Cremaschi (knee injury) and M. Mena (unspecified injury) are both listed as questionable; if either is unavailable, Parma’s options in midfield or wide areas will be thinner, potentially reducing their ability to change games from the bench.

Roma’s list of doubts is longer, though not all absences are confirmed. A. Dovbyk (groin), E. Ferguson (ankle), L. Pellegrini (thigh) and B. Zaragoza (knee) are all questionable. The potential absence of Pellegrini in particular would remove a creative and leadership presence in midfield, while Dovbyk and Ferguson affect depth in the forward and midfield lines. However, with Malen fit and firing, Roma still carry significant attacking threat even if some of those names do not make the squad.

Head-to-head: recent history

The last five competitive meetings, all in Serie A, show Roma with a clear edge:

• On 29 October 2025 at Stadio Olimpico, Roma beat Parma 2-1 in the league.
• On 16 February 2025 at Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma lost 0-1 at home to Roma.
• On 22 December 2024 at Stadio Olimpico, Roma defeated Parma 5-0.
• On 14 March 2021 at Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma won 2-0 against Roma.
• On 22 November 2020 at Stadio Olimpico, Roma beat Parma 3-0.

Across these five, Roma have 4 wins, Parma 1, with no draws. The recent trend is particularly stark: three straight Roma victories since the start of 2024, with an aggregate score of 8-1 in those three matches.

Discipline and game rhythm

Parma’s card profile suggests a side that often grows more combative as matches wear on. Their yellow cards spike between minutes 31-45 and 46-60, and again in the final quarter-hour, while red cards have appeared late in halves. That could matter against Roma’s mobile attackers if Parma are forced into last-ditch defending.

Roma, too, pick up many yellows in the second half (46-90), but with fewer red cards overall. Both teams will need to manage emotions carefully, particularly Parma, whose defensive workload is likely to be heavy.

The verdict

The data points strongly towards Roma as favourites. They have:

• A superior league position (5th vs 12th) and points tally (64 vs 42).
• A much better goal difference (+23 vs -17).
• A more potent attack (52 league goals vs Parma’s 25).
• A tighter defence (29 conceded vs 42).
• A dominant recent head-to-head record (4 wins from the last 5).

Parma’s best hope lies in organisation, exploiting set-pieces and leaning on Pellegrino’s physical presence to unsettle Roma’s back three. Their 12 clean sheets this season show they can frustrate opponents, and Roma’s away record, while good, includes 8 defeats, so they are not invulnerable on the road.

However, if Roma impose their 3-4-2-1 structure, control territory and feed Malen in advanced areas, the visitors should create enough chances to tilt the game. Given Parma’s low scoring rate and Roma’s defensive solidity, a relatively controlled away win or a tight, low-scoring contest tilted by a moment of quality or a set-piece for Roma looks the most logical outcome.