Serie A is set to become home to defender Alessandro Circati after Parma secured promotion back to Italy’s top flight. Parma completed their Serie B campaign on the weekend with a 1-1 draw away to Reggiana, a result which saw them finish top of the table by three points over second-placed Como.

A championship medal with Parma is the icing on the cake of a memorable 12 months for Alessandro. A regular fixture for I Crociati at centre back, Alessandro made 31 appearances across all competitions while in October – little over a week after celebrating his 20th birthday – he won his first Socceroos cap in the 2-0 friendly win over New Zealand.

Alessandro, who played juniors with Perth SC, moved to Parma in early 2021 following a breakout season with Perth Glory, where he was crowned the Most Glorious Youth Player of season 2020. After impressing in the youth ranks, he made his senior debut in February 2022 and quickly cemented his place in manager Fabio Pecchia’s line-up.

Pecchia’s side dominated this seasons’ Serie B, losing just four times and conceding only 35 goals in 38 games. Returning to Serie A caps a dramatic decade for Parma, who found themselves in Serie D as recently as 2016 due to financial issues, with fans taking to the street to celebrate promotion back to the top flight.

Serie A has been no stranger to Australians over the years with the likes of Frank Farina, John Aloisi, Paul Okon, Vince Grella, Mark Bresciano and Zeljko Kalac calling the competition home. Circati is poised to become the second West Australian to play in Italy’s top flight after Trent Sainsbury, who spent the second half of 2016/17 with Inter Milan.