Zebre Parma claimed a dramatic 22–20 victory over South Africa’s Emirates Lions in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship, sealing back-to-back wins to start the season. It was a gritty, hard-fought performance full of heart and resilience from coach Massimo Brunello’s men, who held on under intense pressure to send the home crowd into raptures at the Lanfranchi Stadium.
Kick-off at 16:00 was preceded by a minute’s applause in memory of Leonardo Mussini, the former Zebre Parma press officer, who passed away four years ago. The match was officiated by Welsh referee Craig Evans.
Line-ups
For Zebre Parma, coach Massimo Brunello selected: Montemauri; Belloni, Bertaccini, Mazza, Gesi; Da Re, Fusco; Ruggeri, Stavile, Locatelli; Krumov (capt.), Ortombina; Neculai, Di Bartolomeo, Hasa.
Replacements: Ribaldi, Pitinari, Nocera, Volpi, Ferrari, Dominguez, Zanon, Farias.
With captain Giovanni Licata serving a suspension, the armband passed to Leonard Krumov.
For the visitors, coach Ivan van Rooyen started with: Q. Horn; Keyter, van Wyk, Kriel, Davids; Smith, Steyn; F. Horn (capt.), Venter, du Plessis; Delport, Oosthuizen; Schoeman, Marais, Kotze.
Replacements: Brandon, Lombard, Ntlabakanye, Landsberg, Steenkamp, Pead, Dobela, Jonker.
First Half
Zebre started with energy and intent, pressing high and forcing early mistakes from the Lions. Da Re narrowly missed an early penalty, but at the 12th minute, Bautista Stavile struck first — finishing a brilliant switch play across the field to touch down in the corner. Da Re’s conversion attempt drifted wide (5–0).
The Lions responded through a Smith penalty (5–3) but struggled to find rhythm as Zebre dominated possession. A moment of frustration came when a potential second try for Stavile was disallowed after a TMO review for obstruction.
The hosts continued to hammer away and were finally rewarded at the 34th minute — hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo powered over from a maul after a perfectly executed lineout. This time, Da Re added the extras to send Zebre into the break up 12–3.
Second Half
The Lions came out roaring after the restart, relying on their physical pack to regain territory. A try by Brandon was ruled out by the TMO, but the visitors kept coming and finally crossed through Kotze on 53 minutes (12–8). Moments later, Keyter broke through for another try, with Smith again missing the conversion — handing the Lions their first lead of the match (12–13).
Zebre were reduced to 14 men after Locatelli was shown a yellow card, but showed incredible resolve to stay in the fight. Replacement Martin Roger Farias coolly slotted a penalty to put the home side back in front (15–13).
The Lions replied once more with Brandon diving over and Dobela converting (15–20). Yet the drama was far from over. With the clock winding down, the Lanfranchi erupted as Matteo Nocera forced his way over the line for a crucial late try. Farias added the conversion to seal a breathtaking 22–20 victory for Zebre Parma.
For the second week in a row, Bautista Stavile was named Player of the Match, capping off another outstanding all-around performance.
Match Summary
Parma, Stadio Lanfranchi – Saturday, 5 October 2025
Scorers:
12’ Try Stavile (5–0); 17’ Pen Smith (5–3); 36’ Try Di Bartolomeo, Con Da Re (12–3);
53’ Try Kotze (12–8); 56’ Try Keyter (12–13); 63’ Pen Farias (15–13); 75’ Try Brandon, Con Dobela (15–20); 78’ Try Nocera, Con Farias (22–20).
Yellow Card: Locatelli (Zebre Parma, 47’)
Player of the Match: Bautista Stavile (Zebre Parma)
Referee: Craig Evans (WAL)
Final Score: Zebre Parma 22 – Emirates Lions 20
Notes:
– Minute’s applause held in memory of Leonardo Mussini.
– Captain: Leonard Krumov (in place of suspended Giovanni Licata).
– Zebre record back-to-back home wins to start the URC season.