Parma head coach Fabio Pecchia says he wants to transform the club into a “source of pride for the city”. Pecchia is often referred to as the “lawyer” due to his law degree, but as Gazzetta dello Sport suggest, a more fitting description would be “elementary school teacher.” This analogy stems from his approach to coaching, treating his young squad with the same spirit and method as an instructor guiding an inexperienced class hanging on his every word.
Parma, the youngest team in Serie A, has already shown promising signs under Pecchia’s tutelage. They’ve secured impressive results against top teams, including a victory over Milan at the Tardini, a draw against Fiorentina in their season opener, and a nail-biting match against Juventus in Turin. These performances demonstrate that Pecchia’s pupils are capable of competing at this level and fighting for survival in the top flight.
Pecchia emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm and a light-hearted approach: “The key to achieving our goals is enthusiasm. I know my players well, having worked with them for a few years, and I understand what they need. Along with enthusiasm, we need lightness, which shouldn’t be interpreted as superficiality. Lightness means running with a mind free from pressures and tensions, enjoying ourselves on the field while being aware of our work and the responsibilities it entails.”
The coach’s vision aligns with that of President Krause, focusing on developing young, quality players with potential. Pecchia’s recent contract extension until June 2027 is a testament to the club’s faith in his methods. He expresses his ambition, saying, “My dream is to transform Parma into a source of pride for the city.”
As Parma prepares to face Atalanta, Pecchia views it as a crucial test: “It’s a very important test for us because it will show us where we stand. We must try to face it with our own resources, knowing that we’re up against a very strong team that will be playing for the Scudetto.”
Pecchia draws inspiration from his former coach, Vujadin Boskov, particularly in managing the team’s mentality. He often quotes Boskov’s wisdom to his players, such as “Who shoots never misses,” an apt philosophy for Parma’s youthful and ambitious squad.
The coach is optimistic about the current state of Serie A, noting its competitiveness and excitement. “This championship is very compelling, perhaps more so than in recent years,” Pecchia observes. “The top of the table is very competitive, and there are important values even in the middle and lower parts of the standings. It’s a great signal that Italian football is sending. I hope it continues like this, with beautiful matches that are always open, where anything can happen. I believe this is the best message to convey.”
