Parma to hire Italy World Cup hero Gilardino as coach in April

Alberto Gilardino, the 2006 Italy World Cup winner, will sign a contract that runs until 30 June 2027 and earns roughly €1 million a year, the club confirmed on a Thursday in Parma. The agreement with the Ducali means the former striker returns to the Stadio Ennio Tardini as head coach, with the paperwork expected to be finalised later that day.

Cuesta's departure clears the way

Parma and Carlos Cuesta mutually terminated their agreement on Sunday, ending the former Arsenal assistant’s short spell as Head Coach of Parma Calcio. Cuesta was seen reacting during the Serie A TIM match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on 12 April 2026, before leaving the club.

Gilardino’s pedigree and contract specifics

The ex‑Parma striker scored 56 goals in 116 games for the club between 2002 and 2005, before moving to Milan. He also featured in Italy’s victorious 2006 World Cup campaign, netting in the second group‑stage win over the United States.

Gilardino’s new deal runs to 30 June 2027 and includes an option for a further season that can be exercised solely by Parma. No clause triggers an automatic extension based on performance targets.

Financial ripple effect for Pisa

Gilardino was dismissed by Pisa on 1 February, yet continued to draw his salary of about €1 million per year until the contract’s termination. The agreement, originally signed in the summer of 2025, would have kept him on the books until the same 30 June 2027 date.

By ending the contract early, Pisa avoids paying the remaining salary, a relief echoed by the club’s recent handling of fellow coach Oscar Hiljemark, whose contract also expires on 30 June 2027.

Parma’s swift appointment reflects a broader trend among Italian clubs to manage wage bills tightly while securing experienced managers, especially after a season that has yielded four points from the opening five Serie A fixtures.