The Gialloblu’s home matches attract fans from our city, the surrounding area and also supporters who, for various reasons, have had to move to other parts of Italy. But there are also those who come from every corner of the globe to cheer the team on. After Hong Kong and Denmark, it was time for Scotland and England to take centre stage as Giovanni and Nathan told us all about their love for the Parma colours:

“My mother has Italian roots and, as a kid, I always wanted to be a goalkeeper,” said Giovanni. “Italian football was often shown in Scotland, and when I saw Buffon playing for Parma, I told myself I wanted to be like him. From that moment, I started following Parma and haven’t stopped since. I now live in Italy and am a Curva Nord season ticket holder, so I have the fortune of being at the Tardini a lot.” 'I was seven years old when I began watching ‘Football Italia’ with my mother every week,” said Nathan. “Crespo, Cannavaro, Buffon: that was an incredible team. I loved the colours of the Club, and I immediately asked my mother if she could buy me a Parma kit. I still remember how happy I was when I got one! From then on, is 'Solo Parma Calcio' for me…”

IDOLS

The duo then spoke about the champions that made them fall in love with our Club: “In addition to Buffon, I’ll never forget Lucarelli, a Parma stalwart who loved the Club and, during the most difficult moments, showed how much the team meant to him,” continued Giovanni. “As regards the current squad, I like Bernabé and Delprato in particular.” “I agree with the names Giovanni mentioned,” said Nathan. “However, I’d also like to add two players: Crespo and Gilardino. They were complete and extraordinary strikers. I always enjoyed seeing Gilardino’s violin celebration! I’m a fan of a lot of our current players, but if I had to choose just a couple, I’d pick Bonny and Man.”

PARMA AND THE CITY

As regards his bond with the city, Nathan had the following to say: “Given I live in London, it isn’t always easy to come to Parma, see the city and visit the stadium, but I became a season ticket holder for the first time last season and managed to watch ten games live. I’m also hoping to see ten games this season. I enjoy visiting Parma and also introduced my family and friends to the city. They have always liked coming here, too.” Giovanni feels the same way: “I now live in Milan, so it’s easier for me to come here often. I like being in Parma: it’s a calm and beautiful city with extraordinary food. The people here are easy-going, and there’s a great atmosphere.”

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT

The two fans agree that what happened on 18 May 2018 is the most memorable moment from Parma’s recent history: “That day, we cried as Foggia came away with a draw in Frosinone. It was an incredible season where we earned our third consecutive promotion, and it ended in thrilling fashion. We’ll never forget it.”

A finale that had Gialloblu fans throughout the world celebrating and dreaming, and the hope is that a similar chapter is just around the corner so we can experience that joy together again.