Mariano Troilo has praised the impact of manager Alberto Gilardino at Parma, insisting the defensive unit has found stability after three weeks of intensive preparation. Speaking ahead of the Serie A fixture against league-leaders Inter Milan, the centre-back highlighted the tactical discipline and composure the new boss has installed across the squad.
Gilardino's Steadying Influence
Troilo credited Gilardino with establishing a calming presence during a demanding period of work. "The manager has given us calm," he told DAZN. "We have worked for three weeks and things are becoming clearer." The defender's comments suggest Parma has moved past earlier turbulence, with Gilardino's coaching methods reshaping both shape and mentality. The Italian tactician has focused the squad on consistent principles, essential when facing a team of Inter's calibre sitting atop the Serie A standings.
The challenge is formidable: Inter possess one of Serie A's most potent attacking units, featuring Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram, and the dangerous Piotr Zielinski. Yet Troilo expressed confidence in Parma's ability to compete through collective focus rather than dwelling on individual threats. "We know Inter have strong strikers," he explained. "Pio is strong, but so are Thuram and Lautaro. I like marking physically strong strikers, it is always nice."
Past Tensions Buried
When asked about a clash with Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella from last season's meeting, Troilo drew a line under previous friction. "What happened last year is in the past," he said. "We were trying to stay up, they were about to become champions." The perspective speaks to Parma's improved standing this campaign and a shift in priorities away from survival battles toward genuine competition against Italy's elite.
Parma's focus remains locked on executing their tactical blueprint rather than becoming distracted by Inter's individual quality. With Gilardino's three weeks of work taking hold, the visitors travel to San Siro with renewed purpose and mental fortitude—qualities that could prove as valuable as tactical ingenuity against a relentless title contender.
