Parma technical director Antonello Preiti has revealed that the Crociati are proud to have four of their players called up to the Italy national team for the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Ducali striker Antonio Cassano, defender Gabriel Paletta and midfielder Marco Parolo have all been chosen for Cesare Prandelli’s 30-man provisional World Cup squad, while goalkeeper Antonio Mirante has been named as a backup goalkeeper in case an accident occurs, and Preiti feels that this has proven the Gialloblu’s growth as a club in recent times.
Preiti spoke to Tuttomercatoweb about the presence of Parma players in the Azzurri team, as well as other national teams around the world, while also commenting on the Serie A side’s hopes of earning a spot in the Europa League for next season.
“It’s a great satisfaction to contribute in a matter so important to the fate of the national team,” said the technical director.
“And it’s also worth noting that not only these four players have been called up, but another four of our men from other federations have been called up, too.
“This is a great satisfaction for the whole environment, for the club, it’s a great source of pride for the city of Parma and a testimony of what has been done here in recent years.
“Parma have the second most players in the Azzurri team behind Juventus? It’s a clear sign of growth and it’s a fact that our choices from last summer have paid off.
“There has been a significant growth of our football players in recent years, like Paletta, Mirante and Parolo, even beyond the confirmation of others like Antonio Cassano.
“We also cannot forget [Afriyie] Acquah and [Joel] Obi, as well as players on loan like [Sotiris] Ninis and [Djamel] Mesbah.
“These are all symbols of growth in a club that is reaping rewards in the findings of the team, since we are playing for such a remarkable goal such as the Europa League.
“Do I want to send a motivational message to Fiorentina so they can help us enter Europe by beating Torino? There’s little motivating to do, our game is more important anyway.
“We’re hoping to secure a positive result, with an ear to what will happen in Florence.
“It’s going to be a big game also for Torino, away against a strong team that will be looking to do well, so it’s good that we’re playing the last game of the season at home.
“These will be an important 90 minutes for both teams.
“Which of the three who were called up, plus the emergency call up Mirante, have the best chance of making the final 23? I think all of the guys who were called have a chance at making the final squad, it’s up to Prandelli to make the necessary choices.
“They certainly weren’t called to Coverciano just to make a trip, but because Prandelli considers them worthy of being a part of his squad.”
