Crociati.

[SupAzn]

A SEASON OF CHANGE
Italian Serie A 2011-2012​

Round 20 of the season is underway. Parma hosted Genoa only weeks after thrashing them in the cup, with a similar result this time around. The season has so far been an excellent one, and especially intruiguing. Roma struggled from the very start and have never left the relegation zone; Inter and Juventus are only just in the top half, whilst reigning league winners AC Milan occupy 6th. You have to ask, who's first? Second, third? atania, Lazio, Napoli. In that order. Definitely a most surprising (shocking?) set of events, yet they all deserve their current standings having produced marvellous results on a consistent basis. Udinese are behind the Neopolitans and sitting in fifth are Parma, thanks to talented manager Timoteo Moretti.

The young Italian (with a bit of Scot) was relatively unheard of before being handed the chance to lead Crociati to where they are now. It was a gamble on the part of the board but one that has paid off for the time being, with "Timo" bringing attacking football and mostly good results to a team predicted to finish mid-table. He spent pre-season quietly bringing the players up to speed with his tactics, bolstering the squad with a few free transfers and loans. It would seem Parma will be hanging onto Timo Moretti for a while yet.

January's end is nearing, and along with it the end of the winter transfer. It's been a relaxed period with regards to the ins and outs of players for Parma; young striker Connor Wickham joins on loan from Sunderland to provide cover due to injuries, while Simon Pouplin and Francesco Modesto leave for Porto and Sporting Gijon respectively. Perhaps the most exciting news is the confirmation of three loannees remaining permanently for next season. Fabiano Santacroce and Matteo Rubin have been an important part of defence, while Sergio Floccari's flow of goals have been crucial. To have this trio stay on at the club - all on frees - is great progress for Parma.

Next update after the season!

 

[SupAzn]

I'm using Brobs17's new tactic. Still struggling to get to grips with tactics ever since the new 'tactic creator' system. No real format for this either, just gonna have periodic write-ups to show my progress. Enjoy!

 

[SupAzn]

MORETTI: FIRST SUCCESS
2012 Coppa Italia​

Timoteo Moretti's first year as the main man at Parma has concluded in style with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria in the cup final. An only goal from the club's key star Sebastian Giovinco was enough to give Parma their first piece of silverware under Moretti's guidance, making both figures instant heroes. Giovinco has been in fantastic form all season alongside striker Sergio Floccari. The achievement sees Parma qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League.

Two weeks later, and the Serie A has come to its completion for 2011-2012. At the last, the table mostly made up for its early-mid season results, with both Milan giants climbing their way up the table and pushing the likes of Catania, Napoli and Lazio who had played so well for so long. Despite this, it was Udinese who pipped everyone to the title, a hugely surprising yet deserving reward. Fortunately for Roma, the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti slowly revived the team's form, as they barely scraped out of the relegation zone to finish in 17th.

Serie A Positions:
1. Udinese
2. AC Milan
3. Napoli
4. Inter
5. Lazio
6. Parma
7. Juventus
8. Catania
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
17. Roma

Player of the Year went to Parma's Sergio Floccari. The club's top scorer for the season, his tally of 23 league goals equalled that of Napoli's Edinson Cavani, however the latter was awarded the official Top Scorer having played less matches. Nevertheless, a great achievement for Floccari, joining permanently from Lazio next season.

In the other major European leagues, Barcelona and Lyon both claimed the domestic double, no surprises there. Bayern Munich faltered hard in the Bundesliga, finishing midtable and allowing Schalke to claim the title for the time since 1958. Finally, the English Premier League season saw Manchester United retain their title yet again. Chelsea won the Champions League for the first time in its history under the guidance of Louis Van Gaal, who replaced André Villas-Boas late in the season. They defeated Barcelona to claim the prized cup. Rangers won the Europe League.

What can Timo Moretti's Parma do next season?