Parma Calcio 1913 Defenders 2024/25
Parma Calcio 1913, a historic club with a rich legacy in Italian football, has always prided itself on a solid defensive foundation. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s backline is a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising talents, each contributing unique qualities to the team’s defensive structure. This post delves into the defenders who will be guarding Parma’s goal in the upcoming campaign, providing an in-depth look at their careers, skills, and what they bring to the table.
Bruno Amione
Bruno Amione, an Argentine center-back, has emerged as a key figure in Parma’s defensive setup. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Amione began his career at Newell’s Old Boys before making the leap to Europe with Hellas Verona. 
His composure on the ball and ability to read the game have made him a reliable presence at the heart of the defense. Standing at 6’2”, he excels in aerial duels and is known for his timely interceptions. Amione’s transfer to Parma in 2023 for a fee of €4 million was seen as a shrewd acquisition, given his potential to grow into one of Serie A’s finest defenders. His leadership qualities and tactical intelligence make him a cornerstone of the team’s backline.
Alessandro Circati
Alessandro Circati, an Australian-Italian defender, represents the modern breed of ball-playing center-backs. Born in Perth, Australia, Circati moved to Italy at a young age and joined Parma’s youth academy. His rise through the ranks has been meteoric, and he now stands as one of the club’s most promising talents. At 6’3”, Circati combines physicality with technical prowess, often initiating attacks with precise long passes. His ability to maintain possession under pressure and his calm demeanor in one-on-one situations have drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s defensive greats. Having come through the academy, Circati’s loyalty and commitment to Parma are unquestionable, making him a fan favorite.
Enrico Del Prato
Enrico Del Prato, a versatile Italian defender, is capable of playing both as a right-back and a center-back. Hailing from Brescia, Del Prato began his career at Atalanta before joining Parma in 2021. His adaptability and work rate have made him an invaluable asset to the team. Del Prato’s defensive awareness and ability to contribute offensively, thanks to his overlapping runs and accurate crosses, add a dynamic edge to Parma’s play. His transfer fee of €2.5 million was a bargain for a player of his caliber. Del Prato’s experience in Serie A and his understanding of the league’s demands make him a dependable option for the coaching staff.
Yordan Osorio
Yordan Osorio, a Venezuelan international, brings a wealth of experience to Parma’s defense. Born in San Cristóbal, Venezuela, Osorio began his career at Deportivo Táchira before moving to Europe with Porto. His journey has seen him play for clubs like Vitória Guimarães, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Sporting CP. Osorio’s physicality and ability to marshal the defense have been crucial for Parma since his arrival in 2022. Standing at 6’1”, he is a dominant presence in the air and excels in clearing danger from set-pieces. His transfer fee of €3 million was a testament to his proven track record in top European leagues. Osorio’s leadership and experience are vital for a team aiming to compete at the highest level.
Woyo Coulibaly
Woyo Coulibaly, a young French defender, is one of Parma’s most exciting prospects. Born in Paris, Coulibaly joined Parma’s youth setup in 2020 after impressing at local club Red Star FC. His rapid development has seen him break into the first team, where his athleticism and technical skills have caught the eye. Coulibaly’s ability to play as a left-back or center-back adds versatility to the squad. His pace and agility make him a formidable opponent for any winger, while his tackling and positioning reflect a maturity beyond his years. As a product of the academy, Coulibaly represents the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Lautaro Valenti
Lautaro Valenti, an Argentine left-back, is known for his attacking flair and defensive solidity. Born in Buenos Aires, Valenti began his career at Lanús before moving to Europe with Parma in 2021. His marauding runs down the flank and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses have made him a key component of the team’s attacking strategy. Valenti’s defensive contributions, including his tackling and ability to track back, ensure he is not a liability at the back. His transfer fee of €1.8 million was a steal for a player of his quality. Valenti’s energy and commitment make him a fan favorite and a crucial part of Parma’s defensive unit.
Simone Romagnoli
Simone Romagnoli, an Italian center-back, is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience. Born in Rome, Romagnoli began his career at Lazio before moving to Sassuolo and later joining Parma in 2023. His leadership and organizational skills have been instrumental in shoring up the defense. Romagnoli’s ability to read the game and make crucial interventions has earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Standing at 6’0”, he may not be the tallest defender, but his positioning and timing more than compensate for it. His arrival on a free transfer was a masterstroke, adding depth and experience to the squad.
Gianluca Di Chiara
Gianluca Di Chiara, an Italian left-back, is a reliable and consistent performer for Parma. Born in Naples, Di Chiara began his career at Napoli before moving to Parma in 2019. His defensive discipline and ability to support the attack make him a well-rounded full-back. Di Chiara’s crossing and set-piece delivery are among the best in the squad, providing an additional attacking threat. His experience in Serie A and familiarity with the league’s demands make him a dependable option for the coaching staff. Di Chiara’s commitment to the club and his consistent performances have solidified his place in the starting lineup.
Edoardo Goldaniga
Edoardo Goldaniga, an Italian center-back, is a no-nonsense defender known for his physicality and aerial prowess. Born in Gela, Sicily, Goldaniga began his career at Palermo before moving to Sassuolo and later joining Parma in 2022. His ability to dominate in the air and make crucial clearances has been vital for the team. Goldaniga’s leadership and experience in Serie A make him a key figure in the dressing room. His transfer fee of €2 million was a smart investment, given his proven track record. Goldaniga’s presence adds steel and resilience to Parma’s defense.
Vincent Laurini
Vincent Laurini, a French right-back, is a versatile and experienced defender. Born in Amiens, Laurini began his career at his hometown club before moving to Italy with Empoli. His journey has seen him play for Fiorentina and Napoli before joining Parma in 2021. Laurini’s defensive solidity and ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset. His experience in top European leagues and his understanding of the game add depth to the squad. Laurini’s professionalism and work ethic set a high Standard for his teammates.
Conclusion
Parma Calcio 1913’s defensive lineup for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youth and experience, combining the raw potential of rising stars with the wisdom of seasoned campaigners. Each defender brings unique qualities to the team, ensuring a well-rounded and resilient backline. As Parma aims to make its mark in Serie A and beyond, the contributions of these defenders will be crucial in achieving the club’s ambitions. With a mix of tactical intelligence, physicality, and technical skill, Parma’s defense is poised to be one of the most formidable in Italian football.