Parma have turned to Alberto Gilardino to begin a new chapter on the bench, bringing the former Italy striker back to Emilia after the departure of Carlos Cuesta.
Gilardino arrived in the city after ending his agreement with Pisa, where he and his staff had been under contract until 30 June 2027. The Tuscan club confirmed that the separation was reached by mutual consent and wished the coach and his team well for their future careers.
The 43-year-old is expected to sign with Parma until 30 June 2027. The deal includes an extension option that can be activated only by the club, rather than an automatic renewal tied to sporting targets.
A return to familiar ground
For Gilardino, the move carries a personal significance beyond the immediate task. The 1982-born coach spent important years as a Parma player between 2002 and 2005, before later becoming a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006.
He now returns in a different role, charged with giving the Gialloblu direction after Cuesta’s consensual exit. The previous coach chose to leave following differences over the club’s project.
Speaking briefly upon his arrival, Gilardino said he was “very happy” and told supporters that they would see him soon at his presentation press conference.
Parma choose experience after Cuesta exit
Gilardino arrives with previous Serie A coaching experience from his time at Genoa, and Parma have moved quickly to secure a successor after Cuesta’s departure.
The appointment reconnects the club with a former forward who knew Parma during a strong stage of his playing career. This time, however, the challenge is to shape the remainder of the season from the technical area, with the board retaining control over whether the relationship continues beyond the initial agreement.
