Collecchio, 25 August 2024 - Rafa Benitez paid us a visit this morning. After stopping by the Stadio Ennio Tardini for Parma vs. AC Milan, the Spanish coach was welcomed by Fabio Pecchia and Sporting Director Mauro Pederzoli to today's training session for a visit to the Mutti Training Center.

Having worked with both of them in the past (Pecchia was assistant to Benitez at Napoli, Real Madrid and Newcastle, whilst Pederzoli shared time with him at Liverpool), the relationship is a special one and the welcome was truly friendly. Benitez celebrated the 51st birthday of our Coach and attended our training session, chatting with Fabio and the technical staff and asking for information about the squad and Club structure. It was an unusual morning with a very special visit from an internationally acclaimed coach. Before parting ways, Fabio Pecchia wanted to present Rafa with a special gift: a Parma shirt personalised with a number 1.