Sunday opponent: the Parma.

When I went away to Parma (a good 3-0 for us), I was especially struck by the yellow color of the buildings. It is a vivid and vital yellow. A unique shade of yellow that is called Giallo Parma.

Daverio and Parmigianino. The most characteristic artist of Parma is Parmigianino of which you can see a nice review by Daverio on this youtube's link.

Parmigianino's story is an opportunity to talk about the whole of the 1500s, starting with the Renaissance, going through Mannerism and ending with the Counter-Reformation. Parmigianino begins to paint during the Renaissance, but then he is completely Mannerist. Many art critics place the end of the Renaissance in 1520 with the death of Raphael, but for Daverio the right date is 1527 when the Sack of Rome by the Landsknets takes place. On this occasion a set of vicissitudes worthy of an American TV series takes place. As is the dualism between the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, and the King of France, Francis I. A dualism so personal that the war could end in a duel, but then Francis I was captured during the battle of Pavia. When he was released (with the sacrifice of his sons' imprisonment), Francesco I had many great Italian artists build his palace (such as Rosso Fiorentino “who was mad and committed suicide here” (Daverio) and Benvenuto Cellini). “An intelligent person like Francesco I could not allow the smallest Italian tyrant, like that of Camerino, to have a greater aesthetic taste than the King of France” (Prof. Antonio Paolucci). As Daverio says, the artistic marriage between Italy and France was thus sanctioned, also visible in Parma, for example with the Baptistery.

But Parmigianino was much more. "He anticipated impressionism and liberty style". It suffered the Flemish influences which, as in Italy, were lands of art, but above all of banks, for me not by chance. He loved long thighs. Long Mannerist thighs that were then censored by the Counter-Reformation (and here with his usual irony Daverio comments "They put the underpants on Michelangelo who was still alive ... Not on him ... But in the Sistine Chapel ...").

The fantastic Parma of the 90s was a prestigious and winning team especially in Europe. Champions such as Asprilla, Apolloni, Osio, Veron, Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Crespo, Chiesa, Zola and many others have passed through Parma. In Italy it has won 3 Italian Cups and 1 Italian Super Cup, in Europe it has won 1 Cup Winners' Cup, 2 UEFA Cup and 1 European Super Cup.

The D’Aversa-Liverani dialogue. Liverani was a very good midfielder, perhaps too underestimated in his career when he played mainly for Perugia, Lazio and Fiorentina, despite being our Roma brother. As a coach, he has already shown good qualities, especially courage. He is brave even at lunch, putting on a few extra pounds with the consequence of not being able to close the buttons of his jacket anymore (a problem we have in common). Last year's Lecce, which he coached, played very boldly and also made good victories. Relegation seemed to me too severe a punishment.

At the beginning of his career with Parma he tried to bring his ideas to a team accustomed by D'Aversa to playing mainly defense and counterattack, even with good results. Liverani first deployed a brave 433, then moved on to 433 with a false 9, then to 4312 and finally to 532.

My doubt about Parma is whether he will field 532 or 4312. In this respect, the role of Grassi is fundamental, whether right-back or right midfielder with Kucka attacking midfielder. Out of respect for us, rationality and the convenience of trying to go home with at least a tie, I expect a 532. In any case, we will have to attack and attack well on our left, their right.

They do defense and counterattack. They get behind. Then when they recover the ball, they try to get the very fast Gervy to breack quickly. Statistics show that they are above all a good defense team. Hernani is the playmaker who builds the game. He can also cast long on Gervy. They are dangerous with Hernani, Kucka and Kurtic with the shot from outside. They defend with zone (badly) on free kicks. It is important that we know how to take advantage of it. Our old friend, Gervy, is the most dangerous player. Good with both feet, especially in dribbling. He starts from the left to go towards the center. It can also make cuts without a ball. He may also have served by Inglese who occasionally abdicates the role of finisher to be an assistman for Gervy.

Our key will be the thrust of Spina and Mkhi: once again called to be our true offensive plays. Daje Spina! Daje Mkhi! Pedro's match will also be fundamental. Daje Pedrito! It is vital to be able to unlock the game and, by managing the game, commanding the territory, to keep scoring, but it is equally vital to be able to anticipate Gervy and not suffer from their counter-attacks.

It is useless now to talk about absences, either for food poisoning as for Smalling (which shouldn't be a problem) or for COVID as for Dzeko, Pellegrini and Kumbulla, since it is an independent variable that is not very controllable both in a positive sense and in negative sense. In the current situation, probably the best solution is to field Cristante as a central back. also given the attitude I expected from the opponent. As usual, the last word belongs to our great coach, Fonseca.

Given the data of these days, it seems only right to continue to recommend avoiding all contacts, keeping the distance and wearing the mask. We will get out. I'm sure.

It is essential to win in order to fantasize about the future, but on the pitch we have to stay on track and take home a nice piadina with Parma ham as I did that night of that 0-3 in Parma. It can be won. Let's do it. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi