Collecchio, August 16, 2024 – Details from Fabio Pecchia's pre-game press conference, ahead of the first league match against Fiorentina, held in the press room of the Mutti Training Center in Collecchio.

A SQUAD OF YOUNGSTERS

'We will be facing this new season with a squad full of young players, and that's a certain and undeniable fact. There is a lot of curiosity from everyone and a desire to take on Serie A. The fact that few, if any, have played in Serie A before is not something that needs to be emphasised every time because we can't change that. What we need to do, especially me, is highlight the qualities of a young group that needs enthusiasm, wants to enjoy itself, and embraces a light-hearted approach, values that carried us through last season'.

'STAYING TRUE TO OUR PRINCIPLES'

What do I expect from Serie A? We'll see in the coming weeks. Considering what's happened in Serie A in recent years, where the league has almost split into two tiers with significant differences, I think we can also consider this season as being divided into two parts. Where do we fit in? In a completely different context from what we've experienced before, at a higher level, and it’s a much more thrilling challenge for my players. We want to play our games, staying true to our principles and our identity'.

'SUPPORT FROM OUR FANS'

This moment highlights the uniqueness of the situation, something we haven't experienced in the past year and a half. Between absences, suspensions, and with the transfer market still open, it's a peculiar time. But precisely because of this, I'm asking everyone, from the team first and foremost to the fans, to provide unconditional and lasting support. We'll need it throughout the entire game, regardless of the result. No matter who steps onto the pitch, the team must have the same ideas and desire to play the game as we did last year. We need to give the new arrivals time and make the right evaluations without rushing things. Both Cancellieri and Pontus arrived just two days ago, and I need to assess things carefully without taking too many risks.

'WE'LL PLAY OUR GAME'

In these past two years, we've only faced Serie A teams in the Coppa Italia, and we also competed against Fiorentina and Lecce last year, taking into account our own characteristics. During this preseason, we tried to do what we know best against high-level teams, quickly getting forward and effective in tight spaces, and we'll continue to do that, I have no doubt. Many times, and against many teams, we’ll be outmatched in terms of strength, but we need to be smart in playing on a larger pitch and capable, when we can, of controlling the game'.

'VIOLA; A STIMULATING CHALLENGE'

'Talking about Fiorentina’s instability? That seems a bit exaggerated to me. We’re facing a team that has changed its coach, with a different style but still has a strong squad with European ambitions. I think this will be an exciting and stimulating challenge for us. They seem to maintain a solid structure. I believe Fiorentina is a team that wants to play, with a new coach but a strong desire to control the game, develop their play, and genuinely want to play football. We have to be mindful of the qualities of their players, some of whom I know very well. It’s a team with quality, and we need to consider their strengths. It will be crucial to play with determination and courage. I know Moise Kean well, he made his debut under me many years ago when he was still very young. He has strength in his legs and is a good team player. They’re a team with quality'.

'EMOTIONS OF SERIE A'

'My return to Serie A? The team I’m coaching now is completely different from the one I last managed in Serie A. The structure of this Parma side is also different in terms of continuity because I’ve been working with this group for two years. There are young players who have grown under my guidance, and together, we will face this season with great confidence'.

'SACRIFICE, UNITY, AND COMMITMENT'

'Parma’s last season in Serie A? Recent history shows that the 2020/2021 season was very troubled and particularly difficult for both the players and the environment. That’s why I’m asking everyone to stay close to this team, which is very young but has great qualities. We want to hold on tightly to the results we’ve achieved on the pitch: with great sacrifice, unity, strength, and the commitment of everyone, we will find our satisfaction. Among my players, there’s a great atmosphere and a strong desire. The mood is all about facing challenges and playing matches, and then we’ll see what happens on the field. We must and want to be Parma with all our strength, energy, and the crucial support from our fans. We’re newcomers, a story that’s not erased but is there and needs to be highlighted and celebrated, even though there are many differences. We’re a newcomer that wants to compete'.