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(FM16) Il Ritorno: Parma Calcio

The story of a club far from its 1990's heyday and its quest to return to the top of Italian football
Started on 5 May 2016 by mgriffin2012
Latest Reply on 12 December 2016 by mgriffin2012
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8 yearsEdited

IMOH EZEKIEL SEALS PARMA SWITCH

15 November 2018

Nigeria forward Imoh Ezekiel previously played for Standard Liege before being solid to Al-Arabi and returning to Belgium on loan with Anderlecht.
________________________________________
- Nigerian forward seals free transfer to Ennio Tardini
- Forward was available on a free transfer after being released by Al-Arabi
- Scored 18 goals in 17 appearances for Al-Arabi last season

Amongst a minor injury crisis in their forward department, Parma have today completed the signing of once hotly tipped Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel, on a free transfer after his release by Qatari club Al-Arabi. The forward who has 6 caps for Nigeria, having scored one goal was released by Al-Arabi at the end of the 2017/2018 season, having scored 18 goals in 17 appearances in the Middle East. The forward’s arrival will mark a big sigh of relief for Paolo Vanoli, after Simone Corazza joined Marcello Trotta in the physio’s room for at least two months with strained knee ligaments, a cruel blow for Paolo Vanoli after Corazza had started to display some fine form.


The 25 year old, is seen as a major coup for Parma, after Paolo Vanoli’s men have looked short of quality in front of goal of late, but Ezekiel should be a huge boost to Parma’s forward options. Having signed a 3 and a half year contract, the forward could be in line to make his debut for his new club at the San Paolo against SSC Napoli on the 25th November. When asked about his new signing, Parma manager Paolo Vanoli stated the following ”I am extremely happy with the signing of Imoh. We have been left a little short by injuries to Marcello and to Simone and signing someone of Imoh’s quality means we have a brilliant reinforcement in the squad. He is lacking a little bit in match fitness but that was to be expected and hopefully we can keep giving him plenty of football, that will help him get back to fitness. We would love to give him some game time against Napoli, but whether or not it is too soon remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure he is raring to go.”

The player was also extremely happy about the transfer, and believes he can the forward to help fire Parma to safety and potentially up the table in Serie A this year. ”I am thrilled to be here. It is a chance for me to really test my ability in one of the top leagues in the world and it really is a big step up for me after plying my trade in Belgium and Qatar for a little while. Obviously it make take while to get going but hopefully once I’ve got my feet under the table, I can really help this team to progress and go on and have a fantastic season.”


Good signing he is quick player and to sign him for free :)
2016-09-28 15:19#237433 ML Scouter : Good signing he is quick player and to sign him for free :)

He is lightning quick and hopefully will be a good addition!
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8 yearsEdited

NOVEMBER UPDATE


Results


04.11.2018: Torino 3-3 Parma
- Thrilling Game In Turin As Torino And Parma Share The Points
4: A. Acquah
19: N. Belloni
28: M. Bolanos
55: D. Baumgartner
57: G. Moreno
76: S. Corazza
Gerard Moreno

10.11.2018: Parma 1-1 Bologna
- Rivals Play Out Entertaining Draw
31: S. Corazza
45: M. Destro
Saphir Taider

25.11.2018: Napoli 2-1 Parma
- Debatable Penalty Hands Napoli Comeback Victory
7: D. Baumgartner
68: C. Jean
73: Malcolm (Pen)
Franco Vasquez

League Table


Player of the Month


Denis Baumgartner

The 20 year old Slovakian seems to have finally found his feet in Serie A scoring two goals in the three games Parma have played, including the goal that gave Parma the lead against Napoli. His work rate is tremendous and he is continuing to develop into a top class player and if he continues to develop at the same rate, the Slovakian is going to be worth a lot of money to Parma in a few summers time.

Injuries

Simone Corazza. The striker, who was hitting some real form was injured against Bologna, straining his knee ligaments, and will miss the next six to seven weeks of the season.

Next Month



A big month for Parma, as they start a month where they could pick up maximum points against Novara at the Ennio Tardini. Three days later they face Modena in their final qualifying game for the Coppa Italia at the Ennio Tardini, before in the following weekend, struggling Sassuolo visit the Ennio Tardini as Parma complete a trio of home games. Their final league game of the month sees Parma travel to Sicily to meet Palermo. Parma will finish the month against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia First Round if they beat Modena in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

Other News

10.11.2018: US Sassuolo today made the decision to sack Michael Laudrup as the club’s poor season continued after a 2-2 draw with Atalanta left Sassuolo 20th in Serie A TIM.
13.11.2018: After parting ways with Stefano Pioli at the end of October, Lazio ended their search for a new manager by appointing former Villarreal manager Marcelino as their new man in the dug out.

Manager’s Thoughts


We might not have won a game this month but the performance levels have been pretty high and against all three sides we probably did deserve to win the competition. The Torino game was just one of those games where we were never going to win because goals were just flying in but we should and could have snatched that fourth goal. Bologna put up a good fight but again, we had the chances to go and win the tie, and we were winning against Napoli but our heads dropped after their equaliser and they went on to go and get the win. Next month is a big month obviously; they all are this season. The three games we’re playing in December are games we need to be taking three points from at least two of them and if we do, our position in the table looks a little bit more secure.


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8 yearsEdited


SERIE A TIM PREVIEW: CITTA DI PALERMO VS. PARMA

Date: 16 December 2018
Kick Off: 15:00



Citta Di Palermo
Based In: Palermo
Position: 13th
Manager: Fabio Viviani
Captain: Giancarlo Gonzalez
Key Player: Ivaylo Chochev
Injuries & Suspensions: N/A
Last Match: 2-1 Vs. Novara
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”With Serie A being so turbulent at the minute and no one apart from the top teams being able to really establish themselves, it is hard to assess whether we’re having a good season or not. We were tipped to finish in the top half and be pushing for the Europa League but at the minute we’re down in 13th although we know that if we win we could bounce back up the table again. Parma are in exactly the same sort of situation only their seasonal aim is to not be relegated so this is going to be an interesting one. Considering how their squad doesn’t seem to be too strong and they’re struggling away from home at the minute I’m going to push the boat out and say that we’ll win this one.”


Parma
Based In: Parma
Position: 14th
Manager: Paolo Vanoli
Captain: Raffaele Di Gennaro
Key Player: Imoh Ezekiel
Injuries & Suspensions: Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcello Trotta, Simone Corazza
Last Match: 2-0 Vs. US Sassuolo
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”We’ve been predicted to finish rock bottom of this division but so far it’s been so good. We’re sitting in 14th at the minute in a ridiculously tight bottom to mid half of the table where if we win two or three games on the bounce we’d spring right up the table. Palermo are in a similar sort of situation only the pressure is going to be on them to win this tie, so for me we will win. They want European football whereas we just want to stay in Serie A so it is on them to go out and be the dominant team and I think we’ll thrive off that and go and snatch the game.”


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8 yearsEdited

PARMA EASE INTO FIRST ROUND OF TIM CUP

05 December 2018

________________________________________
- Parma ease into First Round of competition
- Modena offer very little to threaten Raffaele Di Gennaro bar effort for the goal
- AC Milan and the San Siro await Parma in next round

Three goals in a mad four minute spell saw Parma qualify for the First Round of the TIM Cup where they will now meet AC Milan at the San Siro. Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel was on hand to score his first goal for his new club, with Yves Baraye grabbing Parma’s second in a game where really they should have scored more, further highlighting Parma’s need to be that little bit more clinical in front of goal. Modena’s goal came from a poor error by Raffaele Di Gennaro where the former Internazionale goalkeeper should have done a lot better with Pablo Granoche capitalising to score a consolation goal for Hernan Crespo’s side.

The opening goal came in the 37th minute of the game as Imoh Ezekiel was fed through by a brilliant through ball from Lazaros Christodopoulos, who continued his fine start to the season with his new club, playing the pass in to the area with the outside of his right foot. Two minutes later Yves Baraye had fired Parma two nil ahead as Rodrigo Alborno spotted the Senegalese midfielder on the edge of the area with Baraye taking aim and firing the ball into the bottom corner to all but secure Parma’s place in the First Round. However Modena did manage to pull one back when Andrea Marcucci fired in from outside the area. It was an easy chance for Raffaele Di Gennaro to mop up but the Italian keeper spilt the ball straight in front of him and Pablo Granoche managed to latch on to the loose ball first and score the only goal of the game for Modena as they crashed out and Parma moved on through to the First Round.

Manager Paolo Vanoli later spoke to the media and the club’s website after the game claiming ”It was never really in doubt. We created a lot of chances and I am happy that we have qualified. This time last year we had qualified and were about to face Juventus as a Serie B club and it was always going to be a tough game, but this year AC Milan are next and we’re confident we can maybe snatch something. They’re a great club of course but we played well against them in the league and if we can build on that, we could get the victory and a place in the Quarter Finals.”

LATE GOAL HANDS MILAN EXTRA TIME WIN

19 December 2018

________________________________________
- Carlos Bacca’s goal in the 119th sends AC Milan through
- Parma had levelled in the 116th minute
- Rodrigo Alborno’s sending off proves turning point in tie

Despite a strong and spirited performance, Parma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia as Carlos Bacca scored in the 119th minute to send the side sitting 3rd in Serie A through to the Quarter Finals. It was always going to be a difficult task for Parma to make it through to the Quarter Finals but their recent revival in form and their position of 9th in Serie A had given the club optimism that they could make it through to the Quarter Finals and goals from Pedro Pereira and Imoh Ezekiel gave the travelling contingent hope. However their hopes and hearts were broken in the 119th minute as Bacca slotted home to make it 3-2 on the night and make sure that a cruel penalty shootout was avoided by the Milanese side. It was a performance that Parma could be proud of and the quality on show bodes well for the rest of the season in Serie A, which is now Paolo Vanoli’s only concern.

The game got off to a high tempo start and in the 30th minute, Milan were in front as Keko fired in front close range, although Raffaele Di Gennaro should have done a lot better. Parma though weren’t deflated and had their equaliser in the 62nd minute as Lazaros Christodopoulos found Pedro Pereira free out wide on the right. The Portuguese full back took aim into the area, sending the cross into the area although his slight miskick saw the ball fly over the head of Donnarumma and into the net to level the scores. It was a goal that sent the game into extra time and meant that two teams looking exhausted would have to play an extra half an hour of football. Then in the 96th minute Parma were given a massive task as Rodrigo Alborno was sent off for pulling Andrea Poli’s shirt, before the victim fired in Milan’s second goal in the 102nd minute after some good work by Giacomo Bonaventura. Again, Parma were not giving up and in the 116th minute Imoh Ezekiel slotted the ball between Donnarumma’s legs to make it 2-2 and make the tie look like it was destined for penalties. However Milan had other ideas as Bonaventura lobbed the ball over a Parma defence of pushing too high and Carlos Bacca picked the ball up before placing it past Raffaele Di Gennaro to send the home fans wild as Milan secured their place in the Quarter Finals.

Despite his sides defeat, Paolo Vanoli was still upbeat about his side’s performances and was optimistic about the rest of the season. ”Tonight, we showed that we can play against the top teams in this division and we gave Milan a much more difficult tie than I think they were expecting. It has been a fantastic game to watch as a neutral and obviously we are devastated to have been knocked out the way we have been. However we will regroup and give our absolute all in the remaining fixtures in Serie A because now we can just concentrate on that and finish as strongly as possible, especially now that we are playing some very good football.”


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8 yearsEdited

DECEMBER UPDATE


Results


02.12.2018: Parma 1-0 Novara
- Parma Secure Victory Despite Dramatic Game
59: I. Hajrovic
69: R. Alborno
79: A. Innocenti
Pedro Pereira

09.12.2018: Parma 0-2 Sassuolo
- Bottom Club Impress In Front Of New Manager
10: G. Defrel
77: N. Kebano
Douglas

16.12.2018: Palermo 1-3 Parma
- Counter Attacking Football Proves Lethal For Parma In Sicily
23: L. Christodopoulos
37: Luiz Adriano
73: F. Corapi
83: J. Brillante
90+3: N. Belloni
Niccolo Belloni

League Table


Player of the Month


Raffaele Di Gennaro

The club’s first choice Goalkeeper and Captain has been in inspirational form over the course of December, further cementing his place as one of the first names on the team sheet. The clean sheet against Novara was met by some fantastic saves in the victory over Palermo which kept Parma in front and allowed the team to go on and score the third goal. Against Milan and Modena in the cup his form was inspirational and if not for Di Gennaro the defeat against Milan could have been much worse.

Injuries

---

Next Month



Despite having no cup commitments January will be a hectic one for Parma, as well as an extremely difficult one as they come up against the runaway leaders and teams all competing for European football this year. Up first are Jose Mourinho’s Roma at the Ennio Tardini, before a week later, Parma make the trip to the San Siro, this time to face a struggling Internazionale side. In the space of a week, Parma will have faced the current top two in Serie A as Sampdoria and Juventus both visit the Ennio Tardini. A week after the visit of the reigning Champions, Fiorentina will welcome Parma to the Artemio Franchi before another mid week fixture will see Parma end the month with a home tie against Udinese.

Other News

02.12.2018: After their winless run was stretched to seven games, Citta di Palermo took the decision to fire manager Giovanni Tedesco as the club slipped to 18th in the table and into the relegation zone.
02.12.2018: It was also a rough day for Cesare Prandelli as the former Italy manager was sacked by Internazionale after the players reportedly lost confidence in the manager, with the three times European Cup/Champions League winners occupying 16th in the table and sitting only one point above the relegation zone. Internazionale moved quickly to replace the manager by appointing former Lazio manager Stefano Pioli as manager on a temporary contract until the end of the season.
11.12.2018: Sassulo, with relegation looming, appointed Walter Zenga as their new manager with the club rooted to the bottom of Serie A.
18.12.2018: Citta Di Palermo made a bold move in appointing Aston Villa manager Remi Garde as their man in charge with the Frenchman leaving the Barclays Premier League side sitting 19th in the top flight in English football.

Manager’s Thoughts


Another mad month in this division. The way this table is shaping up at the minute is amazing and it means that the second half of the season could be one hell of an exciting one. For us, grabbing the victories we have done against Novara and Palermo are massive especially with such a difficult month coming up. We could realistically struggle to pick up many points over the course of January so making sure we picked up six points from three games this month is massive. Of course we will be aiming to win some of those ties next month and the game against Inter particularly stands out especially as they are below us in the table. Whatever happens though, this squad is proving they are capable of avoiding relegation and if we can come out of next month with our heads above the water we will be doing really well. In the cup, obviously we are disappointed to have been knocked out of the competition by that late goal from Carlos Bacca but again the performance level was extremely high and everyone can be proud of how well we did. Next month promises to be tricky but if we can keep playing like we did against Milan we could have a good month.


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8 yearsEdited

PARMA MOVE EARLY TO SIGN YOUNG SWEDISH STARLET

06 January 2019

Adam Hakansson scored 8 goals for Malmo in this season’s UEFA Europa League.
________________________________________
- Serie A club sign 18 year old Adam Hakansson from Swedish club Malmo
- Striker scored 14 goals in 24 appearances for Swedish side in their most recent campaign
- Returns to Malmo on loan for 2019 Swedish league season

Serie A TIM side Parma today completed their first piece of business in the January transfer window by signing 18 year old Adam Hakansson from Swedish club Malmo. The deal to bring the Swedish striker to the Ennio Tardini is believed to be worth around £350K to Malmo with the young striker signing a contract with the Italian side that doesn’t expire until June 2022. Fortunately for Malmo, the young striker has returned to the Swedish club on loan for the 2019 Allsvenskan campaign after scoring 6 goals for the club in the league last season. Manager Paolo Vanoli is believed to be very keen on letting the young Swede develop at his natural rate, rather than rushing him into a considerably higher level of football in Serie A.


When talking about the signing of Hakansson, Vanoli was very forthcoming in his praise of the 18 year old forward. ”He has had a brilliant year in the Europa League for Malmo this year and to be able to score goals regularly on a European stage for a club that struggles in big competitions like that is brilliant and he clearly has something about him. At 6”6 he is a giant of a player and he’ll add that something a little bit different to our play, especially if he develops into the player both me and my scouting team think he can do. Hopefully be returning to Malmo on loan he can continue to develop and prepare himself for a big chance in lifestyle when he finally moves to Italy at the end of this calendar year.”

The young forward was confident of being able to hit the ground running at Parma but was also grateful to the club for allowing him to return to Malmo on loan for the 2019 Allsvenskan campaign. ”It was a long league season last year where perhaps the club didn’t do as well as it should have done. I’m really happy with my contribution to how we did and I think we’re all ready for a rest especially now that we’re out of the Europa League. I’m going to get a good rest before the campaign starts, and hopefully hit the ground running with Malmo this year and then when November comes and it is time to move to Parma I can continue a good run of form in Serie A next year.”


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8 yearsEdited

JOSIP RADOSEVIC COMPLETES ENNIO TARDINI SWITCH

08 January 2019

Croatian midfielder Josip Radosevic has one cap for Croatia.
________________________________________
- Parma complete signing of out of favour Napoli midfielder
- Favours the holding midfield role but can play more centrally if needed
- Radosevic signs contract until June 2022

Parma manager Paolo Vanoli has today confirmed his second signing in the January transfer window by securing a deal to bring SSC Napoli’s Croatian midfielder Josip Radosevic to the Ennio Tardini. The midfielder’s arrival is expected to spark the end of Alessio Innocenti’s Parma career as Radosevic has been signed as reinforcement for the holding midfield/central midfield role, brings various top flight experience to Paolo Vanoli’s squad, having played in Serie A with Napoli, La Liga with Eibar and the Croatian top flight with HNK Rijeka and Hajduk Split. His arrival has sparked mass positivity amongst Parma fans who believe that the Croatian midfielders arrival will help the club to stay safe in Serie A as Parma currently sit 12th in the table. Paolo Vanoli is believed to be delighted at the signing, having managed to get the Croatian midfielder for such a small fee that didn’t set Parma’s bank balance back very much.


Despite having spent the majority of the season on the bench so far at the San Paolo, Radosevic spoke to Parma’s official club website shortly after his arrival and confirmed that he was fit and ready to go ahead of Parma’s match at the San Siro against Internazionale at the weekend. ”I am fit and ready and raring to go. I’ve never doubted my fitness levels and it is not down to them that I wasn’t playing at Napoli. That is a chapter that is in the past now and hopefully I can hit the ground running in this team. There is a great bunch of lads in this squad and we can go a long way together and hopefully I can establish myself as one of the key players in this squad. Inter are going to be a really tough test but I am more than confident in my ability to settle into this side and help us go to the San Siro and get something.”

His new manager was buoyant upon the completion of the transfer, claiming Radosevic was a more than capable player to help Parma establish themselves in Serie A and push on for more. ”Josip brings a different type of quality to this team. He is from a different country where they play the game slightly different and it is nice to have some variation in the squad as a lot of this squad is Italian. Josip will definitely come in and improve the squad no end and hopefully with his presence as well as the growing top flight experience of the rest of the squad we can establish ourselves as a Serie A club this year before hopefully next year Josip won’t be the only player of international quality in the squad.”


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8 yearsEdited


SERIE A TIM PREVIEW: ACF FIORENTINA VS. PARMA

Date: 27 January 2019
Kick Off: 15:00



ACF Fiorentina
Based In: Florence
Position: 15th
Manager: N/A
Captain: Borja Valero
Key Player: Milan Badelj
Injuries & Suspensions: Mario Gomez, Diego Peralta
Last Match: 2-1 Vs. Novara
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”We’re having one of those years ago and at the club it feels like we’re falling into a major slump. I’m really scared we’re not going to recover from this slump and we’re going to fall into mid table/relegation battle obscurity. Jurgen Klinsmann didn’t do what we thought he was going to and has paid the price for it. We’re falling away from Europe and dangerously close to the relegation zone. If we can recover from this poor run of form and grab a win against a Parma side that look likely to stay up this year then it would be a huge boost.”


Parma
Based In: Parma
Position: 12th
Manager: Paolo Vanoli
Captain: Raffaele Di Gennaro
Key Player: Pedro Pereira
Injuries & Suspensions: Lazaros Christodopoulos
Last Match: 3-0 Vs. Juventus
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”Well so far in this toughest of Januarys we’ve done pretty well and picked up four points from arguably the toughest four fixtures. Fiorentina and Udinese should be easier games but even then they’re going to be extremely difficult ties. Fiorentina are having a poor season though, but then again so were Inter when we met them a few weeks back so it wouldn’t surprise me if they beat us this week. However we’re a good side playing some nice football now and hopefully we can snatch a result against quite a poor Fiorentina side. Parma win for me.”


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8 yearsEdited

JANUARY UPDATE


Results


06.01.2019: Parma 1-1 Roma
- Parma Miss Chance To Win After First Half Red Card
45: R. Nainggolan
67: T. Sanabria
80: D. Baumgartner
Gerson

13.01.2019: Internazionale 3-1 Parma
- Parma Fight Hard But Second Half Flurry Stuns Visitors
16: M. Brozovic
36: D. Baumgartner
46: M. Icardi
47: F. Kostic
Marcelo Brozovic

16.01.2019: Parma 2-1 Sampdoria
- Francesco Corapi Grabs Victory For Parma Despite Red Card
18: N. Belloni
21: R. Alborno
57: J. Radosevic
88: F. Corapi
Lautaro Acosta

19.01.2019: Parma 0-3 Juventus
- Runaway Leaders Struggle To Break Through Until Dominant Second Half
63: S. Driussi
88: P. Dybala (Pen)
90+2: P. Dybala
Paolo Dybala

27.01.2019: Fiorentina 0-0 Parma
- Parma Frustrate Managerless Fiorentina In Florence
Niccolo Belloni

30.01.2019: Parma 0-2 Udinese
- Hosts End Month With Disappointing Late Defeat To Udinese
73: A. Vutov
76: T. Susic
Ryder Matos

League Table


Player of the Month


Josip Radosevic

The Croatian midfielder, signed from Napoli earlier in the month is the Player of the Month for January after four extremely impressive performances. He has come in as a solid option in the holding midfield role as well as being able to play in the centre of the park and his range of passing and his tackling have contributed to an overall positive month for the team.

Injuries

---

Next Month



February represents another massive month for Parma as they play four of their five games against teams that sit below them in the Serie A table at the start of the month. Up first for Paolo Vanoli’s men is the away trip to Bergamo to meet Atalanta, before Cesena visit the Ennio Tardini just three days later. On the 10th Parma visit Carpi before a week later hosting Chievo Verona before playing their final game of the month away at the Olimpico against Lazio.

Other News

20.01.2019: After their 2-1 defeat to Novara, ACF Fiorentina took the decision to sack Jurgen Klinsmann as their manager, with the club having to face up to the reality of their situation which leaves them staring relegation in the face.
20.01.2019: After their promotion from Serie B last year Chievo Verona were hoping for a season where they avoided relegation but after a poor start to the campaign, the club took the decision to sack manager Nicola Caccia with relegation a very real threat.

Manager’s Thoughts


You know what I’m not unhappy with how we’ve done this month. It’s been a horribly tough month where we’ve played some quality teams and we’ve not disgraced ourselves. Getting draws against Roma and Fiorentina at the start of the season would have been seen as big points and for us to beat Sampdoria, who are flying high at the top, with only ten men on the pitch was a fantastic achievement. Against Internazionale we were very much in the tie but they managed to find their breakthrough in the second half and the same can be said of the Udinese game. Against Juventus we were always going to be up against it, they’re running away with the title this year and they would have been embarrassed to have only picked up a point so there’s nothing to be ashamed about. Next month though we need to pick up more points. The first four games are massive games and if we don’t pick up at least seven points we’ll be in trouble. We’re approaching the business end of the season now and the pressure is starting to rise.


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8 yearsEdited

LUCARELLI NAMED CHIEVO MANAGER AS VANOLI NAMES RUBEN COUSILLAS AS REPLACEMENT

04 February 2019

Ruben Cousillas, watches as Manchester City are frustrated by Barcelona in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.
________________________________________
- Former Parma defender named as new manager of Chievo
- Leaves Assistant Manager post at Ennio Tardini after only 7 months in the role
- Former Manchester City assistant Ruben Cousillas named as his replacement

Placed 20th in Serie A and looking destined for relegation, Chievo Verona have surely played their final card by appointing Alessandro Lucarelli as their new manager. Lucarelli who served as the Assistant Manager to Paolo Vanoli at Parma for seven months after his retirement as a player at the end of last season, leaves a vacancy open at the Ennio Tardini. Lucarelli made 274 appearances for Parma during a nine year spell as a player at the Ennio Tardini and now makes the move to Chievo with the hope of becoming a successful manager. The expectation on Lucarelli is not to avoid relegation but for his Chievo side to at least put up a fight and look capable of avoiding relegation, before looking to rebuild and bounce back once Chievo are in Serie B. ”I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to show what I am capable of and that I am ready to lead a team as the manager rather than the assistant. It has always been my aim to become a manager and under Paolo I learnt a lot. Chievo have given me this opportunity and I will not let them down.” Chievo’s first game under their new manager will be at home against Novara on the 10th February.

Meanwhile at the Ennio Tardini, Paolo Vanoli has today confirmed that former Manchester City, Malaga and Real Madrid assistant manager Ruben Cousillas has been named as the new number two at Parma. Cousillas was a long time understudy to Manuel Pellegrini but since the number two retired after the Chilean manager’s departure from the Etihad Stadium, the Argentine number two has been out of work. He brings a vast tactical knowledge with him and will most likely be a massive boost to Parma’s backroom staff as they look to avoid relegation from Serie A this year. ”Ruben brings a vast footballing brain with him and he is a terrific appointment for us. He comes with a great reputation and hopefully he will fit right in and not only boost but join in with the fantastic atmosphere we have at Parma at the minute.”

”I am delighted to be here. It’s been a little while since I’ve been in in a job, and it was hard for us at Manchester City when we were told we were being replaced. Obviously Manuel and I are great friends but he has taken the decision not to take a job and for me I still want to be working. Paolo contacted me claiming that he might need a new assistant and he explained the project here and it really did excite me so I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.” claimed the new number two at the Ennio Tardini. His first game on the bench with Parma will be on Wednesday 6th as relegation favourites AC Cesena visit Parma in a huge game.


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8 yearsEdited


SERIE A TIM PREVIEW: CARPI VS. PARMA

Date: 10 February 2019
Kick Off: 15:00



Carpi
Based In: Carpi
Position: 15th
Manager: Alberto Bollini
Captain: Lorenzo Pasciuti
Key Player: Manuel Pucciarelli
Injuries & Suspensions: Luc Castaignos
Last Match: 3-0 Vs. Novara
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”We started the season really well and were one of the surprise packages in this weird Serie A season but we’ve slumped a little bit of late and to beat Novara in our last game was a massive relief. Despite our down turn in form, Alberto Bollini is still doing an amazing job and in our third ever season as a top flight club he has us stabilised at the minute. He’s made some good signings, a quality of players we never ever thought would join Carpi have done and there is a great feel around this club. Hopefully we can avoid relegation this year but if we don’t in Bollini we have a manager more than capable of helping us bounce back. For this game though it would be nice to gain some more momentum by beating Parma but they’re a good side and played really well against Cesena last time out so I think they’ll snatch the victory to be honest.”



Parma
Based In: Parma
Position: 12th
Manager: Paolo Vanoli
Captain: Raffaele Di Gennaro
Key Player: Lazaros Christodopoulos
Injuries & Suspensions: Nicolo Cherubin, Marcello Trotta
Last Match: 3-2 Vs. AC Cesena
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”Our last away game against Atalanta was a very painful affair. We were winning for so long and then they scored quite late on to claim a draw so this time around we have got to avoid the same thing happening here. The league positions of the two clubs suggests that we are the better side and if we can make a positive start and put some of our chances away hopefully we can get the victory we need to push us further away from the relegation zone. Having said that I think it’ll be another draw, just because I don’t have too much faith in our defence to stay strong.”


mgriffin2012's avatar Group mgriffin2012
8 yearsEdited

FEBRUARY UPDATE


Results


03.02.2019: Atalanta Bergamo 1-1 Parma
- Late Goal Denies Parma Important Victory
17: I. Ezekiel
81: A. Cerri
Rodrigo Alborno

06.02.2019: Parma 3-2 Cesena
- Francesco Corapi’s Thrilling Strike Seals Memorable Comeback For Parma
5: C. Ciano
21: Y. Baraye
32: C. Ciano
48: D. Baumgartner
54: F. Corapi
64: C. Ciano
Camillo Ciano

10.02.2019: Carpi 2-0 Parma
- Carpi Give Survival Hopes A Big Boost As Parma Fall Away From Home Again
27: R. Morrison
43: B. Martella
Ravel Morrison

17.02.2019: Parma 3-2 Chievo Verona
- Paolo Vanoli’s Side Claim Priceless Victory To Move One Step Closer To Survival
7: N. Bellomo
25: N. Belloni
53: I. Ezekiel
59: Y. Severin
70: J. Brillante
79: B. Ngissah
Imoh Ezekiel

24.02.2019: Lazio 2-5 Parma
- Parma Stun Lazio To Claim Biggest Win Of The Season
6: D. Baumgartner
9: N. Belloni
45: D. Baumgartner
51: P. Pereira
54: Willian
56: F. Anderson
65: Y. Baraye
80: L. Christodopoulos
Lazaros Christodopoulos

League Table


Player of the Month


Imoh Ezekiel

The Nigerian forward who was signed on a free transfer earlier in the season has played some fantastic football this month as he begins to settle into the squad, scoring two important goals for his side. His contributions to Parma’s forward play have increased and improved massively and he is now looking like pushing Denis Baumgartner for the starting place week in week out.

Injuries

Nicolo Cherubin. The 32 year old central defender, who has not played much football this season will miss the next three to four weeks with a Hernia.
Rodrigo Alborno. The Paraguayan wing back who was just beginning to find form before his injury will miss a further three to four weeks with a twisted ankle.
Marcello Trotta. The Italian forward who scored 29 goals for Frosinone last season has struggled with injuries this year, limiting him to just four appearances for Parma, and the striker will miss the next week with a back strain.
Simone Corazza. Another one of Parma’s forwards who has struggled for form this year will miss at least another two weeks with a groin strain.

Next Month



After securing ten points from their five games in February, another month like that in March will surely seal Parma’s place in Serie A for next season. Up first for Paolo Vanoli’s side is a huge game with the visit of AC Milan. A week later Parma travel to Genoa to meet Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, with the hosts chasing European football this year. On the 17th, Torino who like Parma are looking to secure safety visit the Ennio Tardini, before Paolo Vanoli’s final game of the season see’s them meet a Bologna side looking to secure Champions League football this season.

Other News

10.02.2019: ACF Fiorentina ended their search for a new manager in their bid to survive relegation from Serie A this year by appointing former Internazionale manager Andrea Stramaccioni, who in his one season at the San Siro could only guide the Nerazzuri to a 9th placed finish.

Manager’s Thoughts


Overall a brilliant month for this football club. We are eight points clear of the relegation zone after picking up ten points from a possible fifteen. The lads have been incredible and the team spirit in this group was evidenced in that 5-2 win over Lazio where we tore them apart and looked like something really really special. The only blotch on our record this month has been that poor performance away in Carpi but everywhere else this month we’ve been brilliant and for the most parts we’ve got the results our performances have deserved. We’re looking very good and our chances of being in Serie A next year are massive now and I am incredibly proud of what the lads have achieved so far but it is not over yet and next month will be another huge month in which we must pick up as many points as possible if we are to keep our survival hopes alive.


mgriffin2012's avatar Group mgriffin2012
8 yearsEdited


SERIE A TIM PREVIEW: PARMA VS. TORINO

Date: 17 March 2019
Kick Off: 15:00



Home Team
Based In: Parma
Position: 11th
Manager: Paolo Vanoli
Captain: Raffaele Di Gennaro
Key Player: Lazaros Christodopoulos
Injuries & Suspensions: Josip Radosevic, Yves Baraye, Denis Baumgartner
Last Match: 2-0 Vs. Genoa
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”We’ve won three of our last five games and I might be jumping the gun but I am quietly confident that we’ve avoided relegation. It is a tremendous achievement considering we’ve not had the best players in the league and we were predicted to finish bottom but we’ve done really well after a difficult start and this summer could be a really interesting one. Obviously there’s still a little bit of football left to go so we just have to make sure we keep our heads and secure the points that will secure a mid table finish for us. Torino are in a similar sort of situation but I think at the Ennio Tardini we will grab the win.”


Torino
Based In: Turin
Position: 13th
Manager: Luca Vigiani
Captain: Kamil Glik
Key Player: Josef Martinez
Injuries & Suspensions: Richard Friedenlieb, Kader Kouakou, Lucas Boye Kamil Glik
Last Match: 2-2 Vs. Novara
Form:

Fans Prediction: ”Well first things first we’re a lot happier now that we’ve moved away from that relegation battle. We’re in mid table and will probably finish there which is what was expected of us. As for this game though, missing Kamil Glik and Lucas Boye will be a huge blow and to be honest without the Polish defender bossing it in the centre of our defence, the pace of players like Imoh Ezekiel could cause us a problem and I think Parma will get the points here.”


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