The 2011–12 season was Parma Football Club's 21st season in Serie A and their third consecutive season in that division, having finished 12th the previous season. An up-and-down start to the 2011–12 season saw Parma in a comfortable 10th position after 11 games. However, a six-game winless streak culminating in a 5–0 defeat away to Internazionale was enough for Ghirardi to let Colomba go on 9 January 2012, despite Parma sitting in 15th position and seven points clear of relegation, having picked up 19 points from 17 games. Roberto Donadoni was chosen as his replacement immediately. Donadoni initially failed to bring about a change in fortunes, but the side won seven matches in a row to set a new club record to finish in eighth position, level on points with Roma.