All's well that ends well for Parma this season. They started the campaign with Franco Colomba still at the helm after saving them from relegation last season and their early form was indifferent to say the least. On occasion, they looked like an exciting team with the mercurial Sebastian Giovinco in tandem with the lightening quick summer signing, Jonathan Biabiany in attack. However, they were just as likely to look timid and average, especially away from home where they were leaking goals like a sieve. They were Serie A's "Jekylll and Hyde" club - always either winning or losing. In fact, they did not register a draw until December and then couldn't stop drawing until a 5-0 humbling by Inter at the turn of the year finally cost Colomba his job.
His replacement was former Italy coach, Roberto Donadoni who immediately brought greater discipline and organisation to the defence. He remained unbeaten for his first five matches before the honeymoon period ended and Parma began showing frailties again. Their problem was too many draws and a defeat to Udinese in April left them precariously close to the drop zone. Then, out of the blue, something changed and Parma went on an unstoppable seven match winning streak to end the season - a club record and one which almost catapulted them into European contention. It seemed Donadoni had instilled a new sense of belief in his players. Much credit also goes to Giovinco who was absolutely outstanding. One wonders where they'd be without him and with plenty of suitors in the summer, the wondering is likely to to stop. Despite that, Donadoni seems to be the right man to take Parma forward.
