Gigi BUFFON 1994-01
Buffon nudges out Luca Bucci just as he did in reality in 1995, when as a 17-year-old he made a stunning debut in a 0-0 draw with Milan. Sold for a staggering £32m, Buffon won a UEFA Cup, a Coppa Italia and an Italian Super Cup with the Tardini outfit. Now one of Italy’s best after making 168 League appearances for Parma.
Antonio BENNARIVO 1991-04
Athletic full-back whose pace and runs down the right flank saw him earn a place in Arrigo Sacchi’s national side. Benarrivo played his best football in Nevio Scala’s 5-3-2 formation when he was given the licence to move forward. Made over 200 Serie A appearances for the club after signing from Padova.
Fabio CANNAVARO 1995-02
Former club captain. Arrived from Napoli with a reputation as one for the future, the stopper then matured into one of the world’s best. An international player of great value, Cannavaro was also selected in our Napoli all-time XI. A player who reads the game superbly, Cannavaro is always quick to a tackle.
Lorenzo MINOTTI 1987-96
Inspirational club captain of the early 1990s, Minotti joined the club in October 1987 from Cesena. He was a first team regular and was key in promotion to the top flight. Capped at international level, Minotti also had a habit of scoring spectacular goals. The presence of Franco Baresi halted his progress with Italy. Later suffered with injuries before moving on to Torino and Treviso.
Lilian THURAM 1996-01
A defender of immaculate class, Thuram became the player we all know today thanks to his magnificent years at the Tardini. His ability to read the game and excellent disciplinary record make him one of Parma’s best ever signings. Sold to Juventus for £23m. A World and European champion with France, his partnership with Cannavaro was key.
Alberto DI CHIARA 1991-96
Became the first Parma player to be capped by Italy when he featured against Portugal in 1992. Di Chiara’s left foot was so often a joy to watch. Only played seven times for the Azzurri but would have added to that tally had Paolo Maldini not been in front of him. Added guile and pace to the Parma attack before retiring in 1996. Previously played for Roma, Fiorentina and Lecce.
Marco OSIO 1988-93
One of the first stars for Parma in Serie A and a fans’ favourite, Osio netted the crucial winner in the 1992 Coppa Italia Final when the side came from a first leg defeat at Juventus to win 2-0 at the Tardini. The bearded player was most comfortable on the right of midfield and displayed a good range of passing. His career faded badly following a move to Torino in 1993 before spells in Brazil and the lower Divisions.
Massimo CRIPPA 1993-98
Signed from debt-ridden Napoli in 1993, Crippa shored up the Parma midfield for the next five seasons. After starting out at Torino, Crippa won a Scudetto with Napoli in 1990. Somewhat of a hard man, the Seregno-born player also won an international recall while at the Tardini. A tough tackling schemer, Crippa was one of the most underrated players of his era.
Tomas BROLIN 1990-94 &1996-97
The Swede was instrumental in the rise of Parma which included a Coppa Italia win plus European triumphs with the Cup-Winners Cup in 1993 and the European Super Cup in 1994. Preferred to play just behind the strikers, his spell at the club ended with injuries and the arrival of Gianfranco Zola. His talent faded badly when he left Parma for England.
Gianfranco ZOLA 1993-96
The magical Gianfranco Zola played some of his best football for Parma. He was forced to leave the club after then Coach Carlo Ancelotti had no room in his 4-4-2 system for a creative player. Deadly at free-kicks, Zola joined from Napoli in 1993 with Massimo Crippa helping Parma to the 1995 UEFA Cup. Won 26 of his 35 international caps while with the Tardini club. Went on to enjoy great success at Chelsea, much to Parma’s regret.
Alberto GILARDINO 2002-05
Arrived from Verona with just five Serie A goals to his name, he would leave for Milan at a cost of £17.2m. Gilardino only netted four goals in his first term at the Tardini, but followed that up with 23 in each of the next two campaigns after the Gialloblu lost Adriano to Inter. Undoubtedly kept his side in the top-flight during his final campaign, Gila netted 50 League goals in just 95 games. |
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Arrived from Reggina in 1989 and led the club to its first ever promotion to Serie A. His 5-3-2 formation worked wonders for the club as they won a host of honours under him including a Coppa Italia, a Cup-Winners’ Cup, a UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup. Has since coached Borussia Dortmund, Perugia and Besiktas.