Parma turn to Gilardino as Cuesta departs amid vision clash

In the cramped offices of Parma Calcio on Tuesday, the club unveiled Alberto Gilardino as the new head coach of the men’s first team, confirming the dismissal of Carlos Cuesta over the weekend. The announcement came with a contract running to the end of the 2026‑27 season, with an option for an extra year.

Contract and backroom team

Parma confirmed on Tuesday that Gilardino has signed an initial contract until the end of the 2026‑27 season, with a club option to extend for a further year. He will be assisted by former teammate Gaetano Caridi, while Francesco Valiani joins as first‑team coach. Antonio Bovenzi takes charge of fitness, and Mirco Vecchi is appointed chief analyst.

The 44‑year‑old 2006 World Cup winner became available after leaving his role as head coach of Pisa Sporting Club at the start of February. His managerial résumé includes spells at Genoa, Siena and Pro Vercelli. Gilardino’s experience in Serie A is expected to stabilise a Parma side struggling in the early campaign.

Cuesta's exit and Parma's recent changes

Carlos Cuesta’s departure was confirmed on Sunday afternoon after five league matches, with Parma sitting 15th after one win, one draw and three defeats. The club said the split stemmed from a disagreement over the sporting vision rather than the modest results. Cuesta had overseen the team’s early‑season performance before being relieved of his duties.

Parma become the third Serie A club to change manager in the 2026‑27 season, following Fiorentina’s dismissal of Fabio Grosso and the re‑appointment of Paolo Vanoli, and Bologna’s replacement of Domenico Tedesco with Raffaele Palladino.

The announcement coincides with a recent image of Gilardino reacting during a Serie A match between Pisa Sporting Club and SS Lazio on 30 October 2025 in Pisa, Italy. The caption read PISA, ITALY – OCTOBER 30, showing the manager on the touchline.

The club hopes Gilardino can lift Parma from the lower half of the table and steer them clear of a relegation battle. With the season still in its infancy, the new coaching team will have limited time to implement their ideas before the next fixtures.