[1][2] The division's lineage begins with the Brigade "Parma" established on 17 October 1859 with the 5th and 6th infantry regiments of the Army of the United Provinces of Central Italy.

On 25 March 1860 the Brigade "Parma" entered the Royal Sardinian Army three days after the Kingdom of Sardinia had annexed the United Provinces of Central Italy.

At the outbreak of the war on 28 October 1940 the Parma was deployed on the Greco-Albanian border to the south of Lake Prespa, from Maja e Kallogjerit to Dobranj, being the part of XXVI Army Corps.

While Ponçarë was orderly evacuated on 3 November 1940, the Greek breakthrough at Maja e Kallogjerit the same day resulted in the loss of Cerjë town and the crumbling of Italian defences on the Devoll river.

The Parma retreated in good order down the Tomorrica river valley, managing to stop the Greek advance on 15 December 1940.

Further strong Greek attacks on 30–31 December 1940 forced the Parma to retreat to the Lemnushë - Mal Tomor line.

While the Parma secured mountaintop positions, the Italian assault through the valley between Dobrenjë and the Tomorrica river bogged down and stalled.

After overcoming some Greek resistance at Ikinas and Borovë, the Parma reached the Greek-Albanian border at Perati on 30 April 1941.