Zebre Parma write a historic chapter in their sporting history, reaching the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever after defeating Section Paloise 31-15 at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in the Round of 16.
A composed and clinical performance from the Italian side, who set the tone in the first half and managed the visitors’ comeback with control after the break, scoring four tries and capitalising on Giacomo Da Re’s flawless kicking display. Player of the Match Bautista Stavile crossed twice.
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FIRST HALF
Zebre Parma made a fast start, capitalising on a French error from the kick-off. Stavile broke through the middle to score, with Da Re converting for a 7-0 lead after just two minutes.
Section Paloise responded by applying sustained pressure inside the hosts’ 22, but failed to convert their opportunities, with Daubagna missing a shot at goal in the 17th minute.
Zebre struck again on 25 minutes as Trulla finished out wide following a turnover, with Da Re adding the extras for 14-0.
Pitinari replaced Neculai in the front row on 33 minutes. Pau thought they had scored shortly after, but the try was ruled out following a TMO review.
Stavile was shown a yellow card on 38 minutes, and Pau eventually got on the scoreboard just before the break through Tuipulotu, though the conversion was missed.
Half-time: Zebre Parma 14 – Section Paloise 5
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SECOND HALF
Zebre came out strongly after the break and extended their lead. A precise 50:22 kick from Belloni set up field position, and from the resulting phase Pitinari powered over, with Da Re converting for 21-5 in the 48th minute.
Pau looked to respond on the hour mark through Mondinat, but the try was disallowed for a knock-on earlier in the move.
The hosts stretched further ahead thanks to a moment of brilliance from Fusco, whose chip kick allowed Stavile to gather and score his second try. Da Re converted to make it 28-5 after 66 minutes.
The visitors responded, taking advantage of a numerical superiority, with Gorgadze crossing on 71 minutes, though Mondinat missed the conversion (28-10).
Da Re maintained his perfect record from the tee, slotting a penalty on 75 minutes to make it 31-10. Pau kept pushing and added a late try through Butlin in the 78th minute, but once again failed to convert.
Full time: Zebre Parma 31 – Section Paloise 15
Zebre Parma advance to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
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++ MATCH SUMMARY ++
ZEBRE PARMA 31 – 15 SECTION PALOISE
Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, kick-off 18:30
Scorers:
2’ try Stavile, con. Da Re (7-0)
25’ try Trulla, con. Da Re (14-0)
42’ try Tuipulotu (14-5)
48’ try Pitinari, con. Da Re (21-5)
65’ try Stavile, con. Da Re (28-5)
71’ try Gorgadze (28-10)
75’ pen. Da Re (31-10)
78’ try Butlin (31-15)
Kickers:
Da Re (Zebre Parma) 5/5
Daubagna (Section Paloise) 0/1
Mondinat (Section Paloise) 0/3
Cards:
38’ Stavile (yellow), 70’ Licata (yellow)
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ZEBRE PARMA
15 Montemauri
14 Belloni
13 Bertaccini
12 Zanon
11 Trulla (56’ Mazza)
10 Da Re (35’ Farias, 40’ Da Re, 76’ Farias)
9 Garcia (51’ Fusco)
8 Odiase
7 Stavile (70’ Licata)
6 Ortombina
5 Krumov (C) (60’ Ferrari)
4 Canali
3 Neculai (34’ Pitinari)
2 Di Bartolomeo (70’ Quattrini)
1 Hasa (70’ Franceschetto)
Replacements:
Quattrini, Franceschetto, Pitinari, Ferrari, Licata, Fusco, Farias, Mazza
Head Coach: Massimo Brunello
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SECTION PALOISE
15 Maddocks (70’ Butlin)
14 Laporte
13 Gailleton
12 Decron (50’ Brau-Boirie)
11 Grandidier-Nkanang
10 Mondinat
9 Daubagna (50’ Souverbie)
8 Tuipulotu (50’ Gorgadze)
7 Credoz
6 Whitelock (C)
5 Capelli (38’30’’ Picquette, 40’ Capelli, 60’ Picquette)
4 Jolmes
3 Zabala Arrieta (50’ Tokolahi)
2 Delhommel (50’ Rey)
1 Bibi Biziwu (50’ Kaulashvili)
Replacements:
Rey, Kaulashvili, Tokolahi, Picquette, Gorgadze, Souverbie, Brau-Boirie, Butlin
Head Coach: Sébastien Piqueronies
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Referee: Ben Breakspear
Player of the Match: Bautista Stavile (Zebre Parma)
Notes:
- Easter Sunday fixture played in mild spring conditions
- Zebre Parma hosted around 50 special guests from the “ParmaWelFARE – Non più soli” community project, a local solidarity network supporting vulnerable people through practical, everyday assistance and community-based care
Attendance: 2,259