Sassuolo vs Parma, Emilia derby

A high-stakes Emilia derby awaits on Matchday 18. The two sides are separated by five points, with Sassuolo searching for a first win since December 6, having earned two points from their last three games after draws against Bologna and AC Milan, to remain in a comfortable position. Parma, meanwhile, are looking to close the gap after taking nine points from their last five games, alternating wins and losses, most recently beating Fiorentina at home.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This is the seventh Emilian derby at the Neroverdi's home. In the 6 previous encounters, there has been 1 home win (4-1 in Serie A 2014/15), 3 draws (the most recent 1-1 in Serie A 2020/21), and 2 Ducali (Parma) wins (the most recent 0-1 in Serie A 2019/20). Sassuolo's only victory was the 4-1 in Serie A 2014/15.

DID YOU KNOW?

Only Inter (21) has scored more goals than Sassuolo (15) in second halves in Serie A.

Parma is the team that scores the fewest goals in Serie A 2025/26 (11), equal with Lecce.

Parma is the team that scores the fewest goals away in Serie A 2025/26 (4).

COACHES and PLAYERS

Mateo Pellegrino is Parma's top scorer in 2025/26: 4 goals for the Argentine striker in 17 rounds, which have earned 6 points for the Ducali.

DISCIPLINE 

Suspended: none

Cautioned: Muharemovic, Doig (Sassuolo)        

REFEREE

FELICIANI (LO CICERO – ZEZZA) IV: GALIPO’, VAR: MERAVIGLIA, AVAR: PEZZUTO

UPCOMING MATCHES

Sassuolo-Juventus (Tuesday, January 6, 20.45 CET)

Parma-Inter (Wednesday, January 7, 20.45 CET)

(Photo Getty Images)