Football Season Guide

After a positive season that saw them arriving not too far from the European spots thanks to an incredible final 8-game winning run, in the past campaign Parma were less brilliant, even though the squad had only slightly been modified, but eventually reached the top ten of the Serie A. Coach Donadoni only seldom had the opportunity to count on an in-form group that lacked a finisher up-front. Nevertheless, their season ended in a crescendo and the coach will aim at building from there. During the summer, the management opted for one main sacrifice: Belfodil was sold to Inter for some good cash. Such departure, unlike what had happened when Giovinco returned to Juventus, was matched by the arrival of Fantantonio Cassano on loan. And he certainly represents the main question mark of the season. Will he add quality up-front, as he does in his best days, or will he bring troubles, as he always ends up doing wherever he goes? Donadoni is expected to solve such mystery. Considering that Coda, Strasser and Mariga had failed to impress, during the past campaign, their departures will not be regretted. On the other hand, Cassano was not the only one to arrive. Several youths, such as Acquah, Okaka and Rispoli, returned from loan and several others both young and experienced signed in, such as Felipe, Munari, Cassani, Chibsah and Ishak. Thus, potentially, the squad was strengthened and Donadoni should be able to count on several alternatives in each department. The starting eleven should not be too different from the past season the former Inter star as the main change.