Parma promoted to Serie C

Parma have been promoted to Serie C after setting a record points total in the fourth tier of Italian football.

The club was declared bankrupt last June after being relegated from Serie A, but reformed in amateur league Serie D soon afterwards.

A 2-1 victory over Delta Calcio Rovigo yesterday confirmed Parma's promotion to Serie C following a return of 85 points from 35 matches.

"We are enjoying the rewards of an extraordinary ride," said president Nevio Scala. "Let's enjoy the victory, as it's the first of a process that we hope will see us as contenders again next year."

Parma's former managers include Claudio Ranieri, Carlo Ancelotti and Francesco Guidolin.