After achieving safety comfortably in their first season back in Serie A, consolidation was Parma's goal this term and they overachieved in that regard. Finishing three places higher and 8 points better off is a sure sign that they have re-established themselves where they belong in the top flight.
Parma started the season slowly with 3 defeats from their first 4 Serie A games but quickly reversed with 3 wins from their next 4, including a memorable 5-1 hammering of Genoa. The Ducali began to pick up some more great results towards the end of the year with a draw at Inter and victories over Napoli and Roma. They remained solidly in contention for a potential European place before the Coronavirus pandemic put everything on hold.
Parma came back after lockdown and, after seemingly securing their safety, their form dipped drastically.They picked up just a point from 7 league games and suddenly realised that they weren't actually safe. Another victory over Napoli revived them to win 3 of their last 4 matches and finish comfortably in mid-table.
Roberto D’Aversa's side were one of a handful of unfancied teams who drew plaudits for their style of football. The Ducali operated as almost exclusively a counter-attacking team last season and those strengths were evident again this term, as they picked up more points on the road than at home. However, they were much more proactive and expansive overall, scoring 15 more goals in Serie A than last season. The most goals out of any team in the bottom half.
Andreas Cornelius arrived in the summer and ended the season as top scorer with 12 goals, including two excellent hat-tricks. He carried the burden up front in the absence of the injured Roberto Inglese. Gervinho remained a huge weapon in Parma's arsenal with his running power on the break. Juraj Kucka was a powerhouse in midfield whilst veteran Bruno Alves kept defying his age with imperious displays at the back
The breakout star in all of Serie A was Dejan Kulusevski. The young Swede's dynamic performances made Parma a far more potent attacking threat, contributing 10 goals and 9 assists in his first full season as a bona fide professional.
Parma won't be able to count on Kulusevski next season with champions Juventus having already snapped him up but the supporters had been prepared for that for a while. What they weren't expecting was for D'Aversa to also be leaving. The manager who guided the club to back-to-back promotions and this impressive season was unceremoniously sacked due to differences with the club. Fabio Liverani has been appointed after gaining praise for his style of play despite relegation with Lecce.
