Parma exceeding expectations

Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi admits his team has performed better than expected since returning to Italy’s top flight this summer.

The Gialloblu beat Siena 1-0 on Sunday for their fourth win to climb to fifth in the Serie A standings eight games into the season.

“I dreamed of enjoying such a great start to the campaign,” said Ghirardi. “But I did not expect it.

“We have a good group.

“We have confidence in this project and it’s clear that the enthusiasm helps and allows us to work better.

“We have splendid fans and a great environment, which no doubt helps the team.”

Ghirardi said it is important for Parma’s players to keep their feet on the ground.

“The main danger is to relax and not to keep up the intensity we have shown so far,” he said. “We have to keep working hard and take it one game at a time.”

Francesco Guidolin’s side travel to Bergamo to meet Atalanta on Sunday.