Parma forced to grow up quick by impressive Hatters

The Italians were battered in the early stages of the encounter but gradually took a grip on proceedings to triumph 2-0 at Kenilworth Road.

He said: “Luton started so hard, so pressing and aggressive. But we don’t prepare our pre-season for a singular match but to arrive at the start of the season. For us the season will start at the end of August. But during the match Parma has grown up and have had much good play. We had a lot of action we could make goals.”

Colomba also believed it was a valuable test for his side as it gave them experience of playing against a different level of opposition.

He continued: “We know that Luton Town are a good team and we know your team here have a good system of play and are well organised and have a good athletic condition. For us it is a good test.

“The tour in England was not organised by Parma but a local agency. When we knew we had to play with Luton we were happy. We knew there was an Italian community in the area. We need to play with different levels of team.

“Cardiff and Luton and now we have the two most difficult matches this weekend and next weekend.

“For us it’s important to play with a team like Luton because it’s a match different in order for the programme.”

Colomba was impressed by Town’s team play and also enjoyed the Kenilworth Road atmosphere.

He added: “I was impressed by all the team. The organisation of the play is good and good tactics.

“I like it (the stadium) very much. All the team and the technical guys love the atmosphere and the stadium. It’s very different from Italian stadiums in the same category.”