The fairytale return of Parma to Serie A following three straight promotions could soon become a nightmare, with the Gialloblu facing a return to Serie B before the new season even gets underway as the club are investigated for attempted match-fixing.
Text messages sent by Ducali striker Emanuele Calaio and Fabio Ceravolo ahead of their promotion-clinching fixture against Spezia last season, in which they urged opposing players to ‘not try too hard’ have prompted a judgement by the FIGC, which is expected on Tuesday.
Calaio himself is adamant that the texts were no more than a joke, but Sky Sport Italia are reporting that the prosecutor has asked for him to be suspended for four years, which, at 36 would effectively call time on his playing career.
The forward did testify in court, saying that he has suffered a traumatic summer because of the investigation.
“I’ve had a summer of hell,” he testified on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m here in front of you for three stupid, harmless and joking messages that didn’t have any other purpose.
“I wasn’t thinking about making things easier for my teammates or altering the result of the match. I don’t do those things, I’m a clean and correct person and I’m sorry Spezia and my former teammates aren’t here to testify that I’ve always been an example for youngsters.
“I don’t want my career to end over something that has nothing to do with me.”
There are two proposed outcomes for Parma. One of which would see them stay in Serie A and start the season with a deduction of six points. The other would be more extreme though and would lead to a two-point deduction from last season’s total, which would send them back down to Serie B with either Palermo or Venezia taking their place in the top flight though it is more likely to be the Rosanero.
A court hearing will decide whether or not the club are guilty of the accused and, should they decide that they are, it remains possible that a more lenient sanction could be placed on them.
Parma’s lawyer, Eduardo Chiacchio, expressed his frustration upon leaving the courtroom, wondering why the club would be punished for a text message sent by an individual.
“How is it possible?” He questioned. “How can you ask for a two point deduction for something like this?
“How can there objectively be any responsibility on Parma’s part? What power does a club have over a text? I’m amazed.”
Chievo meanwhile could also face being removed from Serie A for accounting irregularities. The Flying Donkeys are accused of trading players with Cesena and falsifying their values, allowing them to declare €25 million of false profits in their accounts.
Cesena have already been declared bankrupt and will start the new season in Serie D.
