After Roberto Donadoni took charge of Parma just under a year ago, his switch to a three-man defence was a revelation. Immediately results improved, finishing the season with a record breaking run.
Outgoing tactician Franco Colomba and his 4-4-1-1 were quickly made to look outdated, as Donadoni switched to the shape he had used earlier in his coaching career at Livorno and Napoli.
Almost twelve months on, the squad personnel has changed dramatically. Unfortunately, so has Parma’s form. It is certainly true that it has been an unusually difficult start to the season, but only one win from seven games is as disappointing as the standard of recent performances.
It is not time for great panic, and there is still no reason to doubt the abilities of the coach. Nevertheless, perhaps it is time to look at the way the team shape up. Defensively the back three has worked excellently, but it is goalscoring which is proving to be problematic. Ishak Belfodil is the only striker who has scored so far this season – and even he has only got one.
Parma’s average possession of 48.4% and pass completion rate of 81.6% is pretty much exactly average for the league. But no Serie A sides have relied on set pieces more for their goals. The Gialloblù have scored just twice all season, excluding three set pieces and a penalty.
But, with the current squad, the question is whether there is a more suitable alternative to the current 3-5-2. While it suits the three defenders, as well as wing-backs Aleandro Rosi and Massimo Gobbi, it marginalises Jonathan Biabiany’s attacking threat. Likewise, the lack of drive from midfield, comparatively poor performances of playmaker Jaime Valdés and lack of strike partnerships up front mean other options should be at least considered.
One viable alternative is a 3-4-3. While at first sounding alarmingly offensive, it allows the defensively sturdy back three to remain, with Rosi and Gobbi retreating to form a back five when required. Jonathan Biabiany would be given much more attacking freedom up front, while Dorlan Pabón could buzz around off the flank. Ishak Belfodil or Amauri could be interchanged, though on current form the former would be preferred. A central midfielder – most probably Marco Parolo – would have to be dropped, but with such an unconvincing midfield balance demonstrated so far, this wouldn’t cause too many problems.
Throughout his coaching career, Donadoni, while using a back three, has shown a willingness to adapt to different squads and circumstances. With the Italian national team and Cagliari, he used a more conventional back four, something he may elect to use at the Ennio Tardini if results continue to decline.
A 4-3-1-2 wouldn’t be my preferred choice, having been proven to be outdated in recent Serie A seasons, too easily overwhelmed in the wide areas by teams who use width, like Napoli and Juventus. However, it would enable Jaime Valdés to dictate from deep with shuttling runs from Marco Parolo and Daniele Galloppa up ahead, while Dorlan Pabón or Sotiris Ninis (in his natural position) could play off Amauri and Belfodil. However, the absence of a spot for Biabiany could render this system useless.
Utilising a 4-4-2 would enable Biabiany to start on the flank, though would restrict opportunities for the dynamic Sotiris Ninis, who prefers a position in midfield or, ideally, playing as a trequartista. Equally, it would cede numbers in the middle of the pitch – something so often seen as a prerequisite for any modern football formation.
That is where the 4-2-3-1 could come into its own. It would enable Biabiany, Pabón and Ninis all attacking freedom across an exciting and creative midfield, enabling Galloppa to operate box-to-box and Jaime Valdés to dictate from deep. If deemed too aggressive, a 4-3-3 could equally be used though one of either Pabón or Ninis would have to be dropped to the bench.
It may very well be still too early to change from the 3-5-2. But, alternatives should at least be considered. I hope this post has demonstrated that there are options which have the potential to increase the chance creation of a side who have been devoid of attacking inspiration in recent weeks. Perhaps, just as last season, a change of shape is the key to a change in fortunes.
