Nakata joined Parma in the summer of 2001 after taking his first steps in Italian football with Perugia and Roma, where he played a decisive role in the Giallorossi’s 2000/01 Scudetto triumph. A talented midfielder with excellent attacking attributes, he conquered the hearts of the Gialloblù faithful during his three seasons at the Club. Particularly notable was his wonderful acrobatic finish in Parma’s first-leg showdown with Juventus in the 2002 Coppa Italia final. This brilliant goal, which he scored in added time, contributed significantly to the Crociati’s third Coppa Italia success.