Parma have dismissed Carlos Cuesta during the international break, ending the Spaniard’s first senior managerial role after just over a year in charge.
The 31-year-old leaves the Gialloblu following a difficult opening to the 2026-27 Serie A campaign. Parma have collected four points from their first five league fixtures, with one win, one draw and three defeats, leaving them 15th in the table.
Parma cite differences over sporting project
The club said the decision was reached because the conditions were no longer in place for Cuesta and the Parma hierarchy to continue working together, particularly regarding the direction and development of the sporting project.
Cuesta had been appointed in July 2025 to replace Cristian Chivu, who departed for Inter Milan. It was his first job as a head coach after five years on Mikel Arteta’s staff at Arsenal between 2020 and 2025.
At 31, Cuesta was the youngest manager working across Europe’s five major leagues during his spell in Parma.
A promising first season followed by early trouble
His debut Serie A season had ended in 13th place, with Parma securing survival without major late-season danger.
However, the new campaign has quickly turned against him. As well as the poor league return, Parma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia in the round of 16 after a 2-0 defeat to Cremonese.
The international window gives Parma time to determine their next move, with the club looking for a new voice before the pressure around the lower half of the Serie A table intensifies.
