Good youth karma for Parma

By Paolo Menicucci

Parma FC's 14th consecutive European campaign has been a great success - not only because the Gialloblù are one game away from the UEFA Cup semi-finals, but also because coach Pietro Carmignani's squad rotation policy has given several promising youngsters the chance to shine on the European stage.

Young bucks
As they prepare for the home leg of their tie against FK Austria Wien on Thursday, Parma are still on course for a third UEFA Cup triumph - extraordinary considering they have often fielded a very young side in the competition. Excluding veteran goalkeeper Luca Bucci, the team that drew 1-1 at Austria last week had an average age of less than 23.

Midfield tyro
The 17-year-old Daniele Dessena, who will miss the return match through suspension, has already played four times in the tournament, displaying mature composure and ball-winning skills in midfield. "I remember I was very excited ahead of my debut in the away game against [VfB] Stuttgart," he said. "My team-mates helped me at the start of the game, but then everything went as I expected.

Youthful fervour
"We understood immediately that we could win the match because we began with great determination," he said, reflecting on the 2-0 Round of 32 victory. "Personally, I don't fear any opponent. It's not because I'm arrogant, it's just because I'm only focused on doing what the coach asks me to do."

Defensive prospect
Another player on the threshold of his first-team career is Marco Rossi, a highly-rated 17-year-old defender who is a regular presence in various Italy youth sides. "I know it won't be easy to break into the first team," he said. "However, the example of my team-mates is inspiring. Playing in Serie A with my hometown team, the club I have always supported, would be a dream come true."

Italian champions
Dessena and Rossi were part of the Parma side that won the Under-16 Scudetto last season. Filippo Savi, a midfielder who has recently recovered from serious injury, and Vincenzo Pepe also starred along with Arturo Lupoli and Giuseppe Rossi, now playing with Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC respectively.

Striking talent
The 20-year-old forward Tonino Sorrentino, who has scored one goal in four Serie A appearances, and 21-year-old striker Alex Gibbs have also had an important role in Parma's UEFA Cup run, while 23-year-old Andrea Pisanu is the club's top scorer in the competition.

Kids of the 80s
"If I'd been told at the start of the season that I would score three goals in the UEFA Cup, I would not have believed it," he said. Even more experienced players like Alberto Gilardino, Daniele Bonera, Cesare Bovo, Paolo Cannavaro, Mark Bresciano and Marco Marchionni were all born between 1980 and 1982.

'Precious advice'
Another talent to have stepped into the senior ranks is 20-year-old left-back Ibrahima Camara. "I think I have learned many things this season," said the man from Guinea. "I was lucky to work with very good coaches and team-mates who are always ready to give me precious advice."

Exciting future
The recent financial crisis may have forced the club to sell many key players and a few others are expected to leave in the summer. But with so many promising players ready to break into the first team, the future looks bright for Parma.