Parma's superb sixth place finish last season seemed to have ensued their place in continental competition for the first time in almost a decade. That was until the Emilian club's bubble was burst by the denial of a licence to compete in European competition during the off-season, with a small clerical error leading to Torino taking their place in the Europa League. Uproar ensued, with Parma's president practically quitting on the spot.
2014-2015 Serie A preview: Parma targeting Europe again
Last season Parma achieved a better Serie A position than they had in a decade. Can they repeat the feat two seasons running?
Marco Luzzani
Now, though, attentions have fully turned to achieving the feat once again, and reclaiming what the gialloblù believe to be rightly theirs. The services of coach Roberto Donadoni have been retained against the odds, and the Emilians' transfer market has been a broadly positive one. They may have lost midfielder Marco Parolo to Lazio, but Francesco Lodi and Cristóbal Jorquera both add plenty of midfield creativity. Attacking stars Antonio Cassano and Jonathan Biabiany have been retained in the face of strong interest.
What's more, they've even started to add youth to a squad that was beginning to look worryingly elderly. In defence, former Real Madrid centre-back Pedro Mendes has returned from Sassuolo, while striker Ishak Belfodil will be hoping to find his best once again after a tough season at Inter Milan and Livorno.
Parma will no doubt find it tough to achieve Europe a second year running, though they head into the season with a squad that looks more than capable of competing for a place in the top half.
Key player
Antonio Cassano
Sometimes Antonio Cassano is the most frustrating footballer in the world. When things aren’t going his way, he’ll spend more time ambling around the pitch and shouting at his teammates than doing anything productive. But, when things are going his way, he’s a sublime player. Boasting a vision sometimes too good for his own teammates, Cassano is capable of producing moments of genius that most could only dream of. He netted 12 league goals in his debut campaign at the Ennio Tardini, and will no doubt be hoping to do even better this season.
Key departures and arrivals
In: Mattia Cassani, Francesco Lodi, Lucas Souza, Ishak Belfodil, Pedro Mendes, Cristóbal Jorquera.
Out: Marco Parolo, Walter Gargano, Ezequiel Schelotto, Luca Ceppitelli, Cristian Molinaro, Zouhair Feddal, Gianni Munari, Aleandro Rosi, Sotiris Ninis.
Reasons to watch
Ever since they made it into the top flight for the first time back in 1990, Parma have been synonymous with attractive football. It's a legacy that has continued under Donadoni, whose ability to mix a fluid, possession-based attacking game with precise defensive organisation has seen them become notoriously difficult to beat. Last season only AS Roma, Juventus and Inter Milan won away at the Ennio Tardini.
Where they might finish
It will be very difficult for Parma to finish inside the top six for a second consecutive season, though it’s certainly not impossible. Either way, they have a squad and a coach more than capable of achieving a comfortable top-half finish.
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