Parma appoint World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino after Carlos Cuesta dismissal

Parma have appointed former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino as their new manager after sacking Carlos Cuesta, with the club turning to the 2006 World Cup winner to revive their Serie A campaign.

The 44-year-old has agreed a contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season. Parma also have the option to extend his deal by a further two years.

Gilardino has been without a club since leaving Pisa in January. His spell there ended during a difficult Serie A campaign, in which Pisa recorded one win, 11 draws and 11 defeats.

The former AC Milan and Parma forward is returning to a club familiar to him. He played for Parma for three seasons between 2002 and 2005.

Gilardino was part of Italy’s squad that won the World Cup in 2006 and scored 17 goals in 57 appearances for his country.

His managerial career has produced mixed results, although he impressed during his time with Genoa. He led the club back to Serie A in 2023 and then guided them to top-flight survival the following season.

Genoa dismissed him in the autumn of 2024.

Gilardino’s immediate challenge is to improve Parma’s position, with the club currently 15th in Serie A.

Cuesta leaves after 14 months

Cuesta was removed after 14 months in charge. The Spaniard had previously worked as an assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and guided Parma to 13th place during his first season as manager.

However, Parma endured a poor start to the new campaign. They lost three of their first five league matches and were then beaten by Serie B side Cremonese in the Coppa Italia.

Gilardino’s first match will present a significant test. Parma travel to face champions Inter Milan on October 10.