Parma got their new year off to a bang, decimating Torino 3-1 in their first match back since the break.
It was their first win in six weeks.
Torino kicked off the scoring in the 21st minute as striker Ciro Immobile drilled one past Crociati goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.
Parma responded swiftly.
Marco Marchionni slipped one past Torino in the 34th minute to level the score.
Then, right before halftime, Antonio Lucarelli drilled home a second goal to put Parma up 2-1.
Once the Crociati had secured the lead moving into halftime, a 70th minute goal from Amauri — the first he has scored all season — gave Parma extra breathing room to secure the win.
Since sitting on the bench for most of the early season, Nicola Sansone has started to make more appearances on the first-team sheet. Parma has been rewarded for their increased trust in the youngster. In the win versus Torino, for instance, he was instrumental in Lucarelli’s goal, as he made the corner that Lucarelli tapped in.
After grabbing the win, the Crociati are eight in the tables — a mere two points behind Torino.
The win also helps allay concerns for those who sat through Parma’s implosion for the second half of last season. A stellar first-half of the 2012-13 season was undone by weak play after the break.
Increased goalscoring is no doubt a major factor in Parma’s standing this year. In all but one of their wins this year, the Crociati have knocked in multiple goals. Reason has it, then, that a goal of paramount importance for Parma must be to increase its scoring consistently in the second half of the season. With Sansone playing an increased role and Amauri nabbing his first goal of the season, the Crociati are well on their way to accomplishing that goal already. What else needs to happen? For that, a look at the transfer window is needed.
As stated in an earlier article, Parma must hold on to its key players this window. With many of Parma’s players playing exceptionally well in the first half of the season (i.e. Marco Parolo), it could be hard to hold on to everyone. Head coach Roberto Donadoni has made several statements to the media assuring them that Parma would not sell its stars. But, despite his assurances, multiple players are rumored to be on their way out the door.
In addition to Parolo, Antonio Cassano has become the center for many rumors. In a recent interview, he admitted to a desire to return to Sampdoria. He played for Sampdoria from 2007-11. “I really wanted to make a return to Genoa, but I’m fine here as well, so it’s not going to happen,” said the veteran striker.
Furthermore, the Crociati have come out and denied that Juventus have any interest in their forward Jonathan Biabiany, leading one to conclude that perhaps there could be interest. Already, defender Yohan Benalouane has departed the club for Atalanta on loan. While not a critical player for the Crociati, his departure could be a sign of things to come.
While Parma would do well to acquire another attacking option — ideally one capable of scoring goals regularly — their primary goal right now needs to be to hold onto their assets. A strong return to action following the break could be signs of things to come for the Crociati.
