Parma have turned to a familiar figure for the next stage of their season, appointing Alberto Gilardino as first-team head coach. The former Italy striker returns to the club where he made a major impact as a player between 2002 and 2005.
Gilardino succeeds Carlos Cuesta, whose departure from the Ducal club was agreed by mutual consent. His appointment follows the termination of his contract with Pisa the previous day, opening the way for a return to the Gialloblu environment.
Quick facts
- Alberto Gilardino has been named Parma head coach.
- His contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.
- Parma hold an option to extend the deal by a further two seasons.
- Gilardino played 116 matches and scored 56 goals for Parma from 2002 to 2005.
- He replaces Carlos Cuesta after a consensual separation.
The agreement gives Parma a coach with a strong personal connection to the Tardini. Gilardino was a central player during his first spell in Emilia, recording 56 goals in 116 appearances before going on to a long playing career that included Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph.
Since retiring, the 44-year-old has built his coaching path through Rezzato, Pro Vercelli, Genoa and Pisa. Parma have now placed him in charge of the men’s first team, with the club able to activate a two-year extension beyond the initial 2026/27 term.
President Kyle J. Krause, chief executive Federico Cherubini and the club welcomed Gilardino and his staff as the new technical group begins its work.
Gaetano Caridi joins as assistant coach, while Francesco Valiani has been appointed technical collaborator. Antonio Bovenzi will serve as fitness coach and Mirco Vecchi takes the match analyst role.
For Parma, the decision reconnects the present with one of the club’s more productive attacking memories. Gilardino arrives not simply as a former player, but as a coach asked to guide a new chapter in yellow and blue after Cuesta’s exit.
