Collecchio, 17 November 2023 - Crociati captain Enrico Delprato spoke with Sky Sport 24.

THE RENEWAL WITH PARMA AND THE CAPTAIN'S ROLE

“The renewal? I had my birthday on November 10th, the official renewal announcement arrived a week later, but there was already an agreement. It was a double gift; it is a huge pleasure but at the same time a great responsibility to be the captain and represent Parma. It's a city that is connected to the team, which is something I'm very proud of. For this, I thank the club and my teammates, because without them I would not have reached this point. We are still at the beginning of the season; there's still lots of football ahead of us, but our main objective is to win the league. That's what we're working for.'

THE TEAM'S GROWTH

“Several players have been changed compared to two years ago, it wasn't easy to start from scratch straight away. With many changes and a new coach, we had a tough year. Already last year with the arrival of Pecchia, we started to develop an identity to this team, playing the last 8 games without defeat. The most positive thing about this start to the season is that we have managed to restart with the same man at the helm and without changing many players. There's been a few useful additions that were the pieces we were missing to give continuity to last year's path. It's true, we've started well, but in reality the campaign has yet to truly begin. It's important to start like this, but in the second half of the season the teams know you and will prepare even more to beat us. It will be a very long seaon. In these two years, together with the coach, we have created a certain type of identity, enthusiasm, character and group, which is making things easier. We have to continue on this path.'

GETTING BACK TO LEAGUE ACTION AGAINST MODENA

“Modena? We know it's an important match because there are three points up for grabs and because of how close, geographically, the two cities are. We are ready, like in every match, and we want to bounce back on the pitch. All matches are important, we also saw it against Lecco. You have to play until the final whistle.'

HIS FRIEND ANDREA COLPANI IN THE NATIONAL TEAM

“When we were in Bergamo in the Primavera, there was a very strong team. Colpani was one of the strongest and he was the one who stood out. He is a very dear friend of mine; we spent 10 years together in the Atalanta youth sector. He's a very strong left-footed player; he has qualities that are hard to find in today's football; he's a real 10. At Monza, he's finding a new position as an attacking midfielder and the fruits can be seen. He's playing very well, has a magical left foot and is a guy with a cool head on his shoulders. Given what he is showing in Serie A, the call-up from coach Spalletti isn't so strage very normal. I wish him the best because he deserves it for how he is doing.'