They were demoted to the fourth division three years ago after declaring bankruptcy
Back when Serie A was the best league in the world, when James Richardson would present Football Italia on Channel 4 and everyone thought the end of the theme tune said ‘Goal Lazio’ instead of ‘Golazzo’, back then, Parma were incredible.
Parma once had a squad that featured all of Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Lillian Thuram and Hernan Crespo. They won the UEFA Cup in 1995 and 1999 and Cup Winners’ Cup in 1993. This relatively recent success made their demotion to Serie D in 2015 all the more tragic. After a series of financial crises, the club were bankrupt and were punished by being dumped in the fourth tier.
But the sleeping giant has woken up, and they are back in the big time. After three successive promotions, the club will be competing in Serie A next season.
Parma sealed second place behind Empoli in Serie B after a 2-0 win at Spezia while rivals Frosinone could only draw 2-2 against Foggia.
They won’t be competing for any trophies yet, but their return to the top will be delightful news to Calcio fans everywhere.
Competing in the play-offs for the final promotion place alongside Parma and Empoli are Frosinone, Palermo, Venezia, Bari, Citadella and Perugia.
