Parma general manager Pietro Leonardi admits sacking Pasquale Marino saved them from the drop.

Franco Colomba was brought in following Marino's dismissal and put together a series of positive results, including victories over Inter and Udinese.

Leonardi said: "I have never generally supported the idea of sacking a tactician, but in this case it did fire up the squad to reach the finish line.

"Colomba accepted our proposal with enthusiasm and we were very lucky to bring him in. We will definitely go on with Colomba next season, as he fits in very well with the Parma project."