Transfer News and Rumors as Parma prepare for the Salvezza Battle

By: Francesco | January 9th, 2008

That picture is of Igor Budan, who may very well be Parma’s best signing during the transfer window. But isn’t he already a Parma player you ask? Well yes, he is, but he suffered a terrible injury that kept him out for the whole first half of the season. The powerful Croatian striker was our main goalscorer last season, and scored vital goals that helped us avoid relegation. He will finally make his comeback this month and can become a good strike partner for Capitano Corradi.

Before we get to the rumors, let’s get some done deals that got done over the past few days.

- We sent young defender Alessio Tombesi on loan down south to Avellino in Serie B for the remainder of the season to gain experience.

- Ex-Captain and defender Giuseppe Cardone was sold to Cesena in Serie B. Cardone was struggling with many injuries and just doesn’t look like he has enough to play in Serie A anymore.

- Teenage striker and Italy U20 star Daniele Paponi, famous for his scorpion kick, was also sent to Cesena, but he goes on loan to gain experience. Cesena edged out Piacenza for his services.

Now to the rumors:

Rumor #1 is this man:

Cristiano Lucarelli is unhappy in the Ukraine (the Ukraine is weak, a sitting duck, remember Seinfeld?), and wants a return to the peninsula. Reports are that Parma have edged out Torino and Genoa for his services. It would be a 6 month loan deal, with Shakhtar paying some of his salary, and then Parma would have an option to buy him outright at the end of the season for a fixed price. This would be a great move if Ghirardi can pull it off. Lucarelli wants to be in the Italy squad for Euro 2008 (his chances seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer as the days pass), and to do that he will have to impress Donadoni. That means he has to score goals, and Parma needs a goalscorer. If Lucarelli can get back to his Livorno goalscoring form this will be one of the signings of the season.

Rumor #2- Plan B

If the Lucarelli deal falls through for some reason (cough Ghirardi’s Cheapness cough), than it seems the second option is Reggina bomber Nicola Amoruso, who Parma was actually looking for this past summer. This would also be a good signing, but I don’t know if Reggina would get rid of their star striker mid season. If they do, poor Reggina.

Rumor #3- Brienza

The third rumor is that Parma is leading the pack to secure the services of Palermo attacking midfielder/winger/striker Franco Brienza. Brienza is not the biggest player, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in technique and skill. He’s a good assist man, and can score goals as well with his favored left foot. He would be a good signing and could do well with the Gialloblu’. However who knows if he’ll leave. He’s been saying he’s wanted to leave Palermo for the past 4 transfer periods and he never leaves.

Rumor #4- Dessena leaves

This season Dessena has fallen out of the starting XI and has been a sub for the most of the season. Di Carlo prefers the central pair of Cigarini and Morrone, and rightly so because they are in excellent form. There have been rumors that Fiorentina make a move for the young starlet, as Prandelli has high esteem for him and sees him as a good fit in the Viola midfield. Although he is considered a jewel by the Parma management, with the right offer he could be packing his bags by the end of the month. Parma and Fiorentina meet this weekend, and it could be a convenient time for both sets of directors to meet and discuss it, even if it’s a transfer for June instead of January.

Rumor #5- Andrea Pirlo has a clone

It’s no secret now that everyone wants Andrea Pirlo 2 (Luca Cigarini). He has been linked with every top half club in Italy (words directly from his agent) and it seems he is on the wish list of many. However there is no way he leaves this month, but don’t exclude a move in June. He’s just too good to hold onto.

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Pre-Serie A Friendly

A few days ago Parma played a friendly vs the other team Tommaso Ghirardi owns, Serie C2 club Carpenedolo.

Parma came out 3-0 winners with goals from Matteini, Pisanu, and Paponi.

Parma-Fiorentina preview should be up on Friday.