Italian football club Parma has announced the appointment of Alberto Gilardino as their new head coach, succeeding Carlos Cuesta who was sacked last week. Gilardino, a 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, has signed a contract with Parma until the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option to extend for two more seasons. The 44-year-old former AC Milan striker is familiar with Parma, having played for the club from 2002 to 2005.
Gilardino was out of work since his dismissal by Pisa in January this year, having recorded one win, 11 draws, and 11 defeats in Serie A. As a player, he scored 19 goals in 57 caps for Italy and had a successful stint at Genoa, leading them back to the top flight in 2023 and keeping them in Serie A the following season. However, his managerial career has not yet reached the heights of his playing days.
Gilardino succeeds Carlos Cuesta, a Spaniard who was the youngest active coach in Europe's top five leagues at 31. Cuesta was relieved of his duties last week after 14 months in charge, having guided Parma to 13th place in his first season. However, his team struggled this season, losing three of their first five matches and being knocked out of the Coppa Italia by second-division Cremonese.
Parma is currently floundering in 15th position in Serie A, and Gilardino will have a tough task ahead of him to turn the team's fortunes around. His first match in charge will be against champions Inter Milan on October 10. The club's management is hoping that Gilardino's experience as a player and coach will help them climb out of the relegation zone.
Gilardino's appointment is seen as a significant move by Parma, who are looking to stabilize their team and avoid relegation. The club has a rich history in Italian football, and Gilardino's experience as a player and coach is expected to be an asset. He will be tasked with improving the team's performance and guiding them to a more stable position in the league.
The sacking of Cuesta was the third in Serie A since mid-August, following Fabio Grosso at Fiorentina and Domenico Tedesco at Bologna. Gilardino's appointment is a significant change for Parma, and the club's fans will be eager to see how he performs in his new role. With his experience and expertise, Gilardino will be expected to make a positive impact on the team.
Gilardino's managerial career has had its ups and downs, but he has shown his capabilities at Genoa. His appointment at Parma is a new challenge, and he will be looking to prove himself as a top-class coach. With a contract until 2027, Gilardino has time to make an impact and turn Parma's fortunes around.
Key points
- Alberto Gilardino has signed a contract with Parma until the end of the 2026/27 season.
- Gilardino succeeds Carlos Cuesta, who was sacked last week after 14 months in charge.
- Gilardino's first match in charge will be against champions Inter Milan on October 10.
