The Choice That Changes Everything

Both Parma and Torino were among the most talked-about clubs in Italy this season, albeit for unfortunate reasons. Once respected Serie A veterans, both teams had endured a turbulent campaign, with Torino barely holding onto their top-flight status and Parma facing the possibility of relegation for the first time in years. 

Torino, in particular, had a long and proud history. A founding member of Serie A, the club had once been among Italy's most dominant forces, especially during their golden era in the 1940s with the legendary Grande Torino. More recently, Torino had struggled for stability, but their reputation as a non-relegation team had remained intact—until now. 

Since the 1990s, Torino had fought to maintain relevance, experiencing brief successes but never truly regaining their former glory. However, this season had been their lowest point. Despite showing flashes of quality, they had only barely avoided relegation, finishing just above the drop zone. The team's performance had been a source of frustration for their passionate fanbase, and there were serious discussions about restructuring the squad and possibly changing the coaching staff. 

Meanwhile, Parma, once a giant of Italian football, had fallen into financial ruin following the collapse of Parmalat. Having won multiple European trophies in the 1990s, including the UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup, they had spent a decade competing at the highest levels. But in 2006-07, they had barely survived relegation, finishing 12th under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, who had been appointed midway through the season. 

Parma's struggles had cast a long shadow over the club. Once known for producing and attracting elite talent, they now fought to maintain their place in Serie A with a squad that lacked the star power of previous years. Even Ranieri's rescue job had not entirely convinced the board, and they were looking for potential coaching alternatives should he depart. 

The most heartbreaking moment of the season had come for Torino legend Roberto Muzzi, who had planned to retire but found himself pushing his farewell back, determined to help the club return to stability. In contrast, Parma's veteran goalkeeper Luca Bucci had successfully transitioned into a management role within the club. 

It was under these circumstances that Parma's sporting director, Stefano Tanzi arranged a meeting with Aymar Zambo. 

After returning to Verona from Milan, Aymar wasted no time—his next move could define his career. Parma had reached out first, and he was about to hear their proposal. 

In Aymar Zambo's view, Parma was still a Serie A club, and despite their struggles in recent years, they remained a team with strong foundations. Backed by the remnants of their once-powerful financial structure, Parma was still a club where a talented coach could make his mark. Moreover, with several key players aging, departing, or retiring, the team was set for a major reshuffle in the upcoming season. 

For a young coach like Aymar, this was the perfect opportunity. A team in transition meant that he could implement his ideas without heavy resistance. However, had figures like Claudio Ranieri (the current head coach) or long-time sporting director Stefano Tanzi held firm control, Aymar would have had to carefully consider his options before stepping in. 

Parma's sporting director, Stefano Tanzi, had first taken notice of Aymar's work at Hellas Verona when a club scout attended one of their matches late in the season. The scout had reported back enthusiastically, describing how Verona, under Aymar's guidance, had transformed into one of the most exciting and tactically disciplined sides in Serie B. 

Curious, Tanzi had personally reviewed match footage and was struck by the organization, fluidity, and offensive approach of Aymar's team. What truly convinced him, however, was an interview Aymar had given after a Verona match, where he had openly discussed his footballing philosophy, tactical ideas, and long-term ambitions. 

Tanzi had seen enough. He wanted to gauge Aymar's mindset firsthand, which led to this meeting. 

This was just a preliminary discussion—Tanzi made no promises but acknowledged Aymar's impressive work at Hellas Verona, particularly his success in turning an underperforming squad into a dominant force in Serie B. He also asked for Aymar's opinion on Parma's squad and future direction. 

"I don't believe Parma needs a complete overhaul," Aymar stated confidently. "The club still has strong core players like Vincenzo Grella, Andrea Pisanu, and Igor Budan, who have proven their quality in Serie A. If the squad is reinforced properly, I believe Parma can compete at a much higher level next season." 

"Where do you think Parma's main weakness lies?" Tanzi asked. 

"Midfield creativity," Aymar answered immediately. "Parma has a solid attack, but the service to the forwards has been lacking. The team only scored 41 goals last season—one of the lowest in the league. That simply shouldn't happen for a team with European ambitions." 

"What about the defense?" Tanzi pressed further. 

"Some reinforcements would help, but the structure is solid. The backline isn't the root of the problem." 

Parma had conceded 56 goals in the 2006-07 season, making it clear that while their defensive record wasn't stellar, the real issue was their lack of attacking fluidity. 

Aymar's analysis was straightforward but effective. Tanzi already knew these issues, and hearing Aymar pinpoint them so quickly impressed him. 

"So you believe the lack of attacking output is primarily due to the midfield's inability to create chances?" Tanzi asked. 

Aymar nodded. "Exactly. Igor Budan and Zlatan Muslimović are both capable forwards, but without proper service, they're being underutilized. Parma's attack isn't the issue—it's how the team transitions forward." 

Tanzi raised an eyebrow. "Budan is 31… are you sure he can still be relied upon?" 

Aymar smiled. "Age doesn't define a player's quality. Some strikers peak well into their 30s, and Budan still has a few seasons left at the top level if used properly." 

His confidence in analyzing Parma's squad dynamics left an impression on Tanzi. 

After further discussion, Aymar outlined his tactical vision, explaining how he would revamp Parma's system if given the opportunity. 

"If I take over at Parma, I won't settle for just avoiding relegation. That's not my ambition. I want Parma to fight for Europe again—both in the league and in continental competitions." 

Tanzi exchanged a glance with his assistant, clearly intrigued by Aymar's bold approach. 

"What about management?" Tanzi asked cautiously. 

"I need full control of the first team," Aymar stated firmly. "That includes the transfer market. A team that wants to reach its full potential must have a coach who can build a squad according to his philosophy. If I take the job, I need the authority to make those decisions." 

The assistant's expression stiffened slightly at those words. As a key figure in Parma's transfer policy, he had a direct hand in scouting and squad planning. If Aymar were given full control, it could diminish his influence within the club. 

Aymar, however, remained focused on Tanzi, knowing that he was the true decision-maker in the room. 

"My football philosophy is built on attacking play and tactical discipline," Aymar continued. "Anyone who has seen my work at Hellas Verona knows that. And I can guarantee you this—if you trust me, I'll deliver results, just like I did in Verona." 

Tanzi leaned back in his chair, visibly considering Aymar's words. His record at Hellas Verona was undeniable—turning an underdog squad into a dominant force in Serie B was no fluke. 

But Tanzi's assistant remained cautious, his body language suggesting a hint of resistance. He wasn't fully convinced about handing over that much control. 

The meeting had laid a strong foundation—but whether Parma would commit to Aymar as their next manager remained to be seen. 

... 

... 

"How did it go?" 

As Aymar Zambo stepped out of the hotel, Pippo Glaviano and Pierino Fanna immediately approached him. 

Aymar shook his head, frustration evident on his face. Without saying much, he walked toward the car with his two assistants. 

"They said they'd consider it. Let them take their time!" Aymar's tone was sharp. 

He had sensed resistance in the negotiations—particularly from Parma's management. Though he was confident in his abilities, he knew that he wasn't yet on the same level as established Serie A coaches in terms of reputation or bargaining power. But one thing was non-negotiable: 

If he took charge of a team, he needed full control of the first team and transfers. 

"Stefano Tanzi doesn't seem like an easy man to work with," Aymar remarked coldly. If he couldn't ensure his authority over the squad, he wasn't convinced he could get results without interference. And at a club like Parma, with internal instability, that could be a serious problem. 

"I heard their top choice for the coaching position is Ranieri," said Pierino Fanna, shaking his head. He wasn't optimistic about Aymar's chances. 

Parma, despite their financial struggles, still had the prestige of a historic Serie A club. Their selection process would naturally prioritize experience—and with Claudio Ranieri already in place and having led them to safety in 2006-07, Aymar would have to convince them he was worth the risk. 

Leaning back into the passenger seat of Pierino's Volkswagen, Aymar exhaled deeply, closing his eyes as they drove toward another meeting at a different hotel. 

At that moment, he felt like a college graduate hopping between job interviews, hoping for the right offer. 

"Between Parma and Torino, I think Torino is showing more sincerity," Pierino commented while driving. 

Aymar couldn't disagree. 

Torino, once a Serie A powerhouse, had just barely escaped relegation. Many of their key players had already left, and they were facing a full squad rebuild for the upcoming season. 

A mid-table Serie A team like Parma had better conditions, but their boardroom politics and expectations made them more demanding. They weren't willing to give Aymar too much control—at least not yet. 

Meanwhile, Torino's situation was different. 

Their club president, Urbano Cairo, had made his interest in Aymar clear. Unlike the tense negotiations with Parma, the conversation with Torino had gone remarkably smoothly. Cairo even traveled to Verona personally to meet Aymar, a gesture that showed real intent. 

What truly set Torino apart was how open they were to his ideas. Unlike Parma, where every demand seemed like a battle, Torino's board had no hesitation. Cairo immediately agreed to most of Aymar's proposed reforms for the team, even offering him full authority over the first team and transfers—a level of trust Aymar hadn't expected from a Serie A club. 

There was only one condition: Torino had to secure their Serie A status by the end of the season. If they did, his contract would be extended automatically. If not, the club would review his performance before deciding whether to continue with him. 

The financial offer was just as enticing. At Hellas Verona's second team, Aymar had barely earned enough to live comfortably. But Torino was offering him €1,500 per week, adding up to €80,000 per year—a huge jump from his previous salary. And that wasn't even the best part. With bonuses for survival, wins, and other achievements, he could be earning close to €150,000 per season. 

Aymar quickly did the math in his head, and the realization hit him. That was nearly a million CFA francs per year in his home country. 

"Damn..." He almost couldn't believe it. 

Just a year ago, he had been grinding away in Verona's second team, struggling to be noticed. Now, he was being offered a life-changing contract. 

Everything in Italian football suddenly looked much more beautiful. 

Aymar's excitement had just begun when Urbano Cairo, the Torino president, began outlining the current state of the team. 

"Due to our objective being simply to avoid relegation next season, several key players have already expressed their desire to leave," Cairo explained. 

Alessandro Rosina, Torino's most talented attacking midfielder, had made it clear he wanted to compete at a higher level. Christian Abbiati, on loan from AC Milan, had no interest in staying permanently. Meanwhile, Gianluca Comotto, Roberto Stellone, and Simone Barone had all requested transfers, believing that Torino's lack of European ambitions wouldn't align with their personal goals. 

"It's precisely because we're losing several important players that the squad will require a major overhaul this season," Cairo continued. "After evaluating our financial situation, we can provide you with a transfer budget of €5 million, and a portion of any income from player sales will be reinvested into the squad." 

Aymar's eyes widened. €5 million. 

While it wasn't enough to sign a world-class player, it was still a substantial amount for a team fighting relegation. If used wisely, he could rebuild the squad with young, talented prospects who could develop into future stars. 

Cairo mistook Aymar's stunned expression for hesitation and quickly added, "I know it's not the biggest budget, but I assure you, we will do our best to back you in the market. Torino is not in financial crisis, but we must be responsible with spending." 

In reality, Torino's financial situation was stable but far from wealthy. If not for years of careful management and player sales, they wouldn't even be able to offer this €5 million. 

Aymar knew that Torino's top choice for the coaching position had been Ottmar Hitzfeld, who had left Bayern Munich and was taking a break from football. However, Hitzfeld had no intention of cutting his break short and ultimately turned down Urbano Cairo's offer. 

With Hitzfeld out of the picture, Torino had approached several other managers—most of whom immediately rejected the offer upon realizing the difficult situation at the club. A team that had barely survived relegation, was losing key players, and had limited finances was not an attractive job for most established coaches. 

Aymar understood why. A relegation-threatened club often meant instability—and if the team failed, the manager would be blamed and sacked within months. 

However, Aymar wasn't deterred. 

In his past life as a fan, he had studied Torino's history, and he saw a different opportunity. This wasn't a club destined to struggle forever—it just needed a tactical identity and strong leadership. 

He thought back to what Rehhagel had done when rebuilding a struggling Kaiserslautern in the late 90s. His first big signing had been midfielder Ciriaco Sforza from Inter Milan for €3 million—a massive investment at the time. 

But Aymar had no intention of following that path. Spending a large portion of his budget on one big-name player would be a waste. Instead, he would strategically invest in multiple high-potential talents—players who fit his system rather than just signing names. 

The challenge was clear. Torino needed a squad rebuild, a tactical overhaul, and a winning mentality. 

And Aymar was ready to take on that challenge. 

...... 

...... 

Negotiations with Urbano Cairo had gone smoothly. Over the course of three days, Aymar and Torino's president had engaged in intense discussions, covering everything from squad rebuilding to long-term strategy. Unlike Parma, which had kept him on standby while pursuing other managerial candidates, Torino had made it clear that he was their top choice. 

Aymar had felt disrespected by Parma's approach. From the beginning, it was clear that Claudio Ranieri was their priority, and he had been treated as a backup option in case negotiations with the experienced coach fell through. While he understood their reasoning—Ranieri was an established name in Serie A—he couldn't help but feel frustrated. If a club didn't fully believe in him, then he wouldn't waste his time trying to convince them. 

After two rounds of talks with Stefano Tanzi, Aymar decided to halt negotiations with Parma entirely, choosing instead to focus on finalizing his deal with Torino. 

Cairo had been following Aymar's rise at Hellas Verona, impressed by his tactical intelligence, squad management, and ability to turn an underperforming team into a dominant force in Serie B. Torino was looking for a coach who could stabilize the team and build for the future, and Cairo saw Aymar as the right man for the job. 

On the third day of negotiations, Aymar and Cairo reached a formal agreement. Next season, Aymar would be Torino's head coach, making him the youngest manager in the club's history. His task was clear: avoid relegation and lay the foundation for long-term success. 

The contract itself was straightforward. Aymar had the freedom to form a coaching team of up to five assistants, with Torino covering their salaries. While his own salary was generous for a young coach, he was more interested in the sporting project—the control he would have over the squad and the opportunity to build something lasting. 

Only now did Aymar realize how much top coaches relied on their backroom staff. Every great manager had a strong team behind them, and he wasn't going to take on this challenge alone. He had Pippo Glaviano and Pierino Fanna by his side, but he needed to know whether they were truly willing to follow him to Torino. 

After sealing the agreement and seeing Cairo off, Aymar wasted no time. He headed straight to the city center, where Pierino Fanna's sporting goods shop was located. There, he sat down with Glaviano and Fanna, determined to have a frank conversation about their future. 

"Finally done?" Fanna asked with a knowing smile. 

Aymar nodded. "Yes. Next season, I'll be at Torino." His voice carried confidence, but more than that—it carried ambition. 

"Congratulations," Fanna said, shaking his hand firmly. 

Glaviano offered his congratulations as well, but Aymar wasn't here for pleasantries. He leaned forward, his expression serious. 

"So far, I haven't made any official requests, but I'm done holding back. I need you both with me." 

Fanna and Glaviano exchanged glances but said nothing. Their silence made Aymar nervous. 

"I know your abilities, and I know I can't do this alone. That's why I'm officially inviting you to join me at Torino as my assistants." 

For a moment, neither of them reacted. Aymar's stomach tightened—had he been wrong to assume they would follow him? 

Then, out of nowhere, both of them burst into laughter. 

"You're messing with me!" Aymar cursed, shaking his head in disbelief. 

"We've been waiting for you to ask," Fanna admitted, still grinning. "The answer is yes. I'll close up the shop and take a break. It's time for something new." 

"As soon as you called, I was already preparing to leave," Glaviano added. "We're with you, boss." 

Aymar exhaled, genuinely relieved. He knew that having them by his side would make all the difference. Glaviano had a sharp tactical mind, and Fanna's deep understanding of Italian football would be invaluable. 

"With you two on board, I feel even more confident," Aymar said, smiling for the first time in days. "Now, the real challenge begins. We need to build a coaching staff as soon as possible." 

As the three of them began planning their next steps, the door opened, and Mattia Cassani walked in.