A Parma Native on the Cusp of Serie A: Elia PliccoS debut
Eighteen-year-old Elia Plicco is poised to experience a momentous occasion. While his official birthday falls on February 1st, his true coming-of-age moment might arrive tomorrow when he possibly makes his Serie A debut with Parma.Although a spot on the starting lineup is unlikely, the mere opportunity to be included in the squad, perhaps even stepping onto the pitch, is a dream come true. Just days before Christmas, the call-up to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico is the ultimate gift for the young midfielder.
Plicco’s journey to this point has been eight years in the making, mirroring that of his teammate and fellow 2007-born player, Nicolas Trabucchi. While both have dedicated themselves to the sport, tomorrow’s match will hold a special significance for the parma native.
Born in fidenza and residing in Rubbiano, Plicco’s roots run deep in Fornovo, where his family hails from. It was in the picturesque val di Taro valley that he took his first steps as a footballer, after initially excelling in another discipline: swimming.
As a member of ASD Swimmers Fornovo, Plicco showcased his talent, even reaching the national indoor championships and securing a third-place finish in the butterfly stroke. However, his passion ultimately lay on the football field, where he could truly express himself.
Futura 2015 and Juventus Club Parma provided the foundation for his footballing development, before Parma Calcio nurtured his growth under the guidance of six dedicated coaches: Dario Milone, Andrea Zandonai, Giuseppe Manarin, Riccardo Nizzola, Giovanni Valenti, and Mattia Bernardi.
Throughout his development, Plicco has drawn inspiration from a single role model: Jude Bellingham. Like the Real Madrid star, Plicco thrives as an attacking midfielder, operating between the lines and orchestrating attacks.
He has honed his skills representing Italy at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels,accumulating 13 appearances in total. While his preferred shirt number is 8, currently worn by Parma’s Nahuel Estévez, Plicco admires the Argentine’s professionalism, availability, and work ethic.
Those who know Plicco well recognise his versatility. If the tactical setup doesn’t require an attacking midfielder, he’s willing to adapt, shifting to the wing or dropping deeper into midfield, as he demonstrated this season with Parma’s Primavera team under coach Nicola Corrent.
His experience with the Primavera, where he made 18 appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists, has allowed him to learn from another local idol: Simon Sohm. The Swiss midfielder embodies Plicco’s playing style and provided valuable insights during their shared training sessions with the senior squad.
Three training sessions, followed by a morning session, were enough for coach pecchia to include Plicco in the squad for the trip to Rome. Regardless of the outcome, this experience will be a meaningful milestone for the fifth-year student at the “Bertolucci” high school.
For Plicco and Trabucchi, this moment represents a new chapter, a chance to become the next generation of homegrown talent for Parma, a club increasingly embracing its local roots after years of relying on foreign players.
Parma Prodigy: Elia Plicco’s Serie A Debut Looms
The air is thick with anticipation in Parma. Eighteen-year-old local hero,Elia Plicco,stands on the precipice of a dream: his Serie A debut. While his official birthday may be February 1st, the true celebration of his arrival could come tomorrow as he potentially joins the senior squad for a Serie A clash.
While a starting berth might potentially be a stretch for the young midfielder, even making the bench would signify a staggering achievement for a player who was still honing his skills in the youth academy just a few months ago.It’s a testament to his rapid progress, natural talent, and the faith Parma’s coaching staff has placed in him.
Plicco’s potential debut will be a story that resonates beyond the pitch. It’s a tale of local boy made good, a symbol of hope for aspiring footballers in the region, and a validation of Parma’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
the eyes of Parma, and indeed many football followers, will be on Stadio Ennio Tardini tomorrow. While the result is importent, the real story may lie in the heartwarming narrative of Elia Plicco, the Parma native who dares to dream big on the grand stage of Serie A. Should he take the field, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career, one filled with promise and potential.
Let the debate begin: How notable is Plicco’s potential debut for Parma, both on the pitch and off? What are your expectations for the young midfielder?
