Former Italy international forward Alberto Gilardino has been appointed as the new head coach of Serie A club Parma following the dismissal of Carlos Cuesta.
The 44-year-old manager signed a contract running until the end of the 2026-27 season, with an option to extend the deal for two further years. Match TV reported the appointment, citing an official statement from the Italian club press service. Cuesta's departure from the head coaching post was announced at the end of September.
Gilardino takes over with Parma sitting 15th in the Serie A standings. The team, known as the Crusaders, have collected four points from their opening five matches of the current season.
Return to Parma
The appointment marks a return to familiar territory for Gilardino, who enjoyed a successful playing career at the club. The former striker represented Parma between 2002 and 2005, making 116 appearances and scoring 56 goals during his three-year stay.
Parma, based in the city of Parma in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, are a historic club competing in Serie A, the top division of Italian professional football.
Playing Career and Trophies
Gilardino was part of the Italy national team that won the FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006. Following his time with Parma as a player, he moved to AC Milan, where he won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
AC Milan are among the most successful clubs in European football history, competing alongside Parma in Serie A.
Coaching Background
Gilardino brings previous managerial experience across several Italian football clubs prior to his arrival at Parma. His former coaching positions include managerial roles at Rezzato, Siena, Pro Vercelli, Genoa, and Pisa.
He will now take charge of Parma for the remainder of the Serie A campaign as the club aims to improve its position in the league table.
