With lethal striker Alberto Gilardino leaving the club for Milan and goalkeeper Sébastien Frey for Fiorentina, the future looked bleak, especially given that several clubs had accumulated more than 40 points in the 2004–05 season.

On a positive note, Parma reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, where it drew 0–0 to CSKA Moscow, before finally losing 3–0 in Russia.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.