Rebuilding the dominance of I Crociati

[toddzy]

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Roberto Donadoni resigns with immediate effect​

It is with a heavy heart that Parma F.C today announce that Head Coach Roberto Donadoni has resigned with immediate effect stating ‘impossible working conditions’ being the main reason behind the move.

It is understood that under the current financial burden the club finds itself in Mr. Donadoni has opted to cancel his contract and move onto a new challenge outwith Serie A. He had been in charge for over 2 years and in the 2013/14 season had guided Parma F.C to European Football.

Whilst the board did not wish to let Mr. Donadoni leave, we seen no alternative due to the intent and desire shown by Mr. Donadoni to do so.

The board would also like to take this time to announce that Italian international Antonio Cassano has cancelled his contract at the club by mutual consent.

Please note : Parma F.C will now begin to look for a suitable replacement.

No further announcement will be made at this time.
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[toddzy]

Parma FC announce new manager

Breaking news coming from Italy today in the form of a new manager appointment at Parma FC. Less than 3 weeks after the departure of Roberto Donadoni from the Italian side they have looked to make an appointment so that pre-season evaluation can get underway.

The appointment comes in the form of retired professional footballer Craig Todd. At the youthful age of 31 he certainly lacks the experience that his predecessor had. Despite that, Parma FC had the following comment to make about appointment;

“It is with great pride today we announce the arrival of new Head Coach, Craig Todd. His forward thinking ideas for the club and great determination to come to our great club made him a stellar candidate.”

Todd has been handed a 1-year contract. It is expected that the board will re-evaluate his position nearer the end of the season once it is seen how the team performs.

Furthermore, it is understood that from Sky Sources that Todd will have a budget of around €3million-€4million.​

 

[toddzy]

Parma FC announce the purchase of Fabrizio Miccoli

Sky Sports have today confirmed the announcement that former Italian international Fabrizio Miccoli has joined Serie A side Parma FC on a 1-year deal. It marks new manager Craig Todd’s first forte into the transfer market, spending around €500K to purchase the dynamic forward.

Much has been debated about the 35-year old’s supposed fall from Italian top flight. It was suggested that he was involved with Italian Mafia gangs and that prompted the Palermo board to not renew his contract when it expired.

He subsequently signed for boyhood club Leece and was given captaincy. They played in the 3rd​ tier of Italian football where he netted 13 goals in 25 appearances.

Miccoli had this to say about the move;

“It’s a great to finally get the opportunity to play in Serie A once again. I owe Craig a great deal for making it happen.”

It is understood the contract is worth around €10K a week to the Italian. Sky Sources also understand he will appointed vice-captain and play understudy to Alessandro Lucarelli.


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[toddzy]

Parma FC July Update

Around a month has been and gone since the installation of new manager Craig Todd. In that time the club has been successful on and off the field in remaining unbeaten during friendlies and also attracting some new players.

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Fixtures

We will start with the fixtures whereby the players were looking to adapt to Craig’s new system fast. It became quite apparent from early viewing that he wanted to play a direct 4-2-3-1 based formation whilst also keeping it highly structured and with the use of counter attacks.

2 wins and 2 draws for I Crociati. When questioned on how he felt about the month he had had Todd had the below to say;
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“Of course looking at the scores it would suggest the game where we scored 7 goals would rate as my favourite performance this month. But, technically against Monaco I felt we played fantastic. We neutralized the effect of (Joao) Mountinho and (Dimitar) Berbatov very quickly and they had little to zero impact on the game.

Furthermore, it gave some of the young lads a chance to see what it’s going to be like playing against some of the best in Europe.”

Todd currently has 3 scheduled friendly fixtures in August. They are below;
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Cremonese (Away)
Hoffenheim (Home)
Gubbio (Away)

As Parma FC is an affiliate club of Cremonese and Gubbio these fixtures are compulsory as part of the agreement.

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Transfers

As announced in the press recently Todd managed to secure the permanent arrival of former Italian international Fabrizio Miccoli on a 1-year deal. We are thrilled and excited for the year ahead to see what he can produce.

Moreover, we have an exclusive today which we are also excited to announce. Please find below the list of the July arrivals.

Despite Javier Saviola only signing for Verona in the summer it has been agreed that he will transfer to Parma FC for €600K on a 3-year deal. The 32-year old brings in great experience to the squad and his previous clubs include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica and Malaga.

Todd had the below to say on his capture;
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“I’ve been asked a few times of the risks of offering Javier a 3-year deal at 32 but my planning is to allow Javier to guide the younger players as they come through. Lets not deny he has seen and achieved some great things at great clubs. This can only be a positive signing for this club.”

Also arriving are two youngsters;

Valerio Zigrossi – a young LB who will be used as backup/rotation in the first team. The deal is worth €300K.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – a young DM/CM who will be used as backup/rotation in the first team. He arrives on loan from AS Roma for 1 season – no cost involved.

Javier Saviola unveiling the Verona kit earlier this summer – he has now signed on for 3 years at Stadio Ennio Tardini​

 

[wkdsoul]

Surprised Parma even that to spend.. poor club was such a force..

 

[toddzy]

Surprised Parma even that to spend.. poor club was such a force..

I didn't think they would have any money on the 15.3 database - turns out they did.

 

[toddzy]

Parma FC August Update

The dust is beginning to settle now and a rhythm is becoming established with Craig Todd’s authority and ideas coming to light with the performances of his players. With 3 friendlies and 1 competitive game in August it was all systems go.

Furthermore, the arrival of 5 new players whilst the departure of 1 key player looks to changed the dynamics at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.


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Fixtures;

With pre-season coming to a close it looked all very well for Todd’s Parma side heading into the first game of the season against Torino. Finishing the summers fixtures with 2 wins and a draw against good opposition in Hoffenheim certainly put them in good stead.

The 4-1 victory over Gubbio allowed Fabrizio Miccoli and Javier Saviola to really show what they could do. Twice they combined to net 2 of the 4 for I Crociati.

However, when it came to the first competitive game of the season Todd’s side crumbled in front of their home supporters.

1 – 4

In what resulted in a terrible afternoon for Parma as they slumped to a 4-1defeat at the hands of Torino. Despite the result Parma looked the stronger team however found themselves 2-0 from quick counter attacking football by Torino.

A bullet diving header from loanee Antonio Nocerino just before HT gave hope as Parma went a little more attacking to push for a winner. Sadly, in doing so they left themselves open at the back again and a third goal on the break was conceded.

Torino wrapped it up on with 10 to go with a 4th​ goal from a corner. Todd let his fury be known post-match as he stormed out of the Press Conference. Not the start planned but confidence needs to be retained heading into September that points can be taken.


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Transfers;

Parma FC are delighted to announce the arrival of 5 players in the month of August as we look to provide more depth and quality to the team. Notably the main signing will be noted as experienced winger Simone Pepe on a free transfer from Serie A champions Juventus.

Todd had highlighted Simone Pepe as one of his main targets of the summer based on his versatility on either wing. His passion and direct play also attracted the manager. Pepe’s main position will be on the RW, although it is understood he will also provide cover to Cassani at RB. He signs a 2-year deal.

Also joining is experienced winger Albert Riera. Much like Pepe he will play predominately on the wing (LW) but will also provide cover for the LB position. He signs a 1-year deal.

To compete with Javier Saviola, Todd has brought in Emanuel Gigliotti on loan from Boca Juniors for the duration of the season. The tall striker is a proven goal scorer and will be out to prove he can compete in Europe in the hope of earning a permanent deal.

Arriving also is young winger Federico Bernardeschi from ACF Fiorentina. He will provide back-up to the 1st team for the duration of the season.

Completing the incoming transfers is Marco Andreolli on loan from Serie A competitors Inter Milan. The experienced CB joins for the duration of the season. His wages will be covered by Inter Milan whilst Parma will pay a monthly fee to have him on loan.

In outgoings, it is with a heavy heart we announce the departure of winger Jonathan Biabiany who has completed a €13.75million move to Serie A challengers AS Roma. In a deal that was considered to good for Parma FC to turn down due to the current financial position at the club.

We wish Jonathan all the best in the future and thank him for his contribution to Parma. Furthermore we wish him a speedy recovery with his current heart condition.

That concludes August. The next fixture for Parma FC will be against Inter Milan at the San Siro.​