 Anchoring his left flank to the city's defenses, he placed the right at the village of Crocetta, where it was further protected by swampy areas of the Taro River.The road between Crocetta and Parma ran on a causeway, and Coigny had deep trenches dug on either side of the road.Marshal Mercy crossed the Taro canal at the head of his army and at about 10 am fired on the French advance posts, who withdrew.