Football Season Guide

Up until the years mid-2000, Parma belonged to the elite of the Italian football. Even though they actually never won the Scudetto, they came real close to it and steadily took part to the European competitions. Then, the Parmalat crack led to the fall of the club to the Serie B. The journey back to the top flight of the Italian football was an immediate one but the return among the top teams has been a slow and toiling one. In the past campaign, at last, thanks to an amazing 18-game-long undefeated run, Parma made it back to the European spots. Unfortunately for them, though, they will not play any continental football since they were fined by the UEFA for some dues not paid in time. President Ghirardi did not take this very well and, subsequently, the club was put on sale. The transfer campaign perfectly reflects this situation as Parma have not been particularly active in terms of hiring new players. Mostly, they have been calling back home some of the youths loaned out in the past campaign. Among them, Belfodil, who did not have many chances to shine in Livorno or Inter, is the only one who might actually make it straight to the starting eleven in the forward three together with Cassano and Biabiany, if he is not sold in the very next future. Therefore, coach Donadoni will have to deal with an almost untouched starting eleven. For sure, one major loss is represented by Parolo’s sale and Gargano’s loan end. Acquah and Musacci, after a negative stint with Padova, might replace them in the middle of the park alongside Marchionni, a former winger turned into anchor of the midfield. Parma are still a bit of a work-in-progress. More players are expected to quit and to arrive. Undoubtedly, Donadoni will have to rely on a much younger squad, this time around, with a consequent lack of experience. And the attack could be too depending on Cassano’s genius and madness.