Gilardino: ‘Parma conceded far too easily, but must keep positive attitude’

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 10: Alberto Gilardino, Manager of Parma Calcio 1913, looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Alberto Gilardino admits Parma ‘conceded the goals far too easily’ in their third consecutive defeat to Lazio, but urges them to ‘maintain a positive approach.’

The Ducali got their first goal of the Gilardino tenure since he took over from Carlos Cuesta, as Simone Lontani’s cross bounced in off the inside of the far post to surprise Christos Mandas in added time.

However, it was too little, too late, as they fell to a third consecutive Serie A defeat after 3-0 against Inter and Torino.

Gilardino without points at Parma

“I will have to watch it again, but I feel we made a step forward in the first half compared to the performance against Torino,” Gilardino told Sky Sport Italia.

“We created more dangerous situations to take the lead, but after the restart we conceded the goals far too easily. These are naïve errors and we cannot keep doing this, so it is a process of maturity we’ve got to push forward quicker now.

“In terms of our attitude and being pro-active, we should’ve done something more, especially on the second goal. Fear must not be part of our vocabulary. We are in a difficult situation, we have to face them with responsibility. There is an opportunity in four days to play an important match on home turf, it’s not decisive yet, but I am sure we’ll do better.”

Parma had several big scoring opportunities on the counter-attack in the first half, but were unable to make the most of them, also thanks to the big saves of Mandas.

“I preferred Vincent Sierro today, as Bernabé was coming off an injury, considering there’s another game coming up on Wednesday, he needed to be rested. He has the quality to play in any of the midfield positions.”

Diego Carlos was signed for his experience, but was at fault for both goals, redirecting the Reda Belahyane pass into the path of Kenneth Taylor, then putting the Nuno Tavares cross into his own net.

“I expect a lot from the more experienced players, both in terms of communication and attitude. It’s true that Diego Carlos and Sierro were below par today, but I have faith in them, they can and must transmit a clear identity for the future of Parma.

“We need leadership in this squad, which is overall very young, so we must all try to maintain a positive approach. I know it’s not easy, but we need that spark to turn in the right direction.”

Parma managed only one victory in Serie A this season, 2-1 over Genoa on September 20, along with one draw and six defeats.

It should be no secret where the problems lie, as they scored only five goals in eight rounds, but Lontani was on target this evening.

“Simone has incredible margin for improvement, especially when attacking the space and going one on one. We moved to 4-2-4 in the final stages today and he can be decisive in those positions, but also do damage between the lines. He is very young and we believe he has a bright future.”