Bologna coach Alberto Malesani has no doubts they were close to financial meltdown last year.
Bologna currently sit in mid-table after a huge turnaround.
Malesani said: "The most difficult moment was the talk I had to give before the game against Parma.
"That day there was little time left to sort out the club's problems. We either paid or went to the tribunal before Christmas.
"I said to the team: 'Let's hope we come back and see each other again. Let's give everything because it could be the last game'.
"We all went for it together, except the injured of course, and played in a commendable manner. Then the club was saved."