Parma, 17 July 2026 – Goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara and forward Simone Lontani, joined by young Diego from the 'All Inclusive' project, spoke to the media during their official presentation in the press room at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. CEO Federico Cherubini and Sporting Director Alessandro Pettinà were also in attendance.
Giovanni Daffara: 'I chose Parma because of the club, the city, and everything that Parma represents. I immediately felt the Club's belief in me, and I was really impressed by the project,' said goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara.
The new Gialloblù signing added, 'I'm ready, but it will be up to my performances on the pitch to prove that. I already knew goalkeeping coach Nicola Pavarini from my time at Juventus. I'm familiar with his methods, and they suit the kind of goalkeeper I am and what he looks for in training. As for head coach Carlos Cuesta, I don't know him as well. My role model has always been Gigi Buffon. Ever since I was a child, he's been who I look up to. Buffon embodies every quality you could want in a goalkeeper. As for my relationship with the other goalkeepers, I don't see any issues. I've already met Edo Corvi, who is a fantastic person. Pavarini encourages healthy competition between us, and that's exactly what it is. Moving up to Serie A definitely brings greater responsibility, but mentally I just have to approach it as football.'
Simone Lontani: 'Personally, my goal is to stay at Parma for as long as possible,' said forward Simone Lontani, 'and to give everything I have to the Club. Parma believed in me from the very beginning and showed great faith in me, so I'm really happy to be here. I know I'm young and that this is my first experience in senior football. I just need to keep my head down, work harder than anyone else, and continue to improve. Last season I played mainly as a winger, but this week I've spoken with the Sporting Director and the coach, and we all agree that I can also develop as an attacking midfielder. Parma has an excellent track record of developing young players, so choosing this Club was an easy decision.'
