The end of the 2011/12 season promised much for Parma fans as they'd seen their side end the campaign with a club record seven straight victories to finish in eight position. Former national team coach Roberto Donadoni remained in charge despite interest from elsewhere and many believed he could be the man to guide Parma back into Europe. He'd have to cope with one huge loss before the season started as the mercurial Sebastian Giovinco returned to Juventus after a breakout season for the Ducali. It was a big void to fill but Parma seemed to cope reasonably well without the "Atomic Ant" for the first half of the season. Indeed, by early January, Parma were still very much in contention for Europe having picked up some excellent results including wins over Inter and Roma as well as draws with the likes of Juventus and Milan. Donadoni deserved much of the credit for his versatility in terms of formation - often switching between a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 depending on the opposition and in an attempt to get the best out of the players at his disposal. There was never a direct replacement for Giovinco as the likes of Sotiris Ninis and Dorlan Pabon proving unsuccessful signings. However, Donadoni did incorporate youth in his team as Ishak Belfodil and Nicola Sansone gave exciting cameos throughout the season alongside veteran striker Amauri, who finished as top goalscorer in something of a revival of his career. Antonio Mirante was stellar in goal but Marco Parolo was arguably the success story of the season with his passionate and energetic performances in the middle of the park. Parma seemed to have a refreshing spirit in the first part of the season but they couldn't maintain in after the winter break. It seemed that having virtually ruled out any chance of relegation, the players took their foot off the gas and didn't really push for greater things. Their season was in real danger of petering out and there was always an outside chance of being dragged into the relegation mire with the bottom teams picking up form. However, Parma managed to find a couple of results just at the right time and those fears were allayed. It illustrated a season of just doing enough for the club but a top half finish is a respectable enough result especially considering the resources available. Donadoni continues to be coveted by bigger clubs and perhaps may go if he feels he has taken Parma as far as he can. However, there is just the feeling that they didn't quite push themselves to the limit this year and that greater things can be achieved with a more consistent effort.
