Parma turn to world‑cup hero Gilardino to halt slide

On Tuesday the Stadio Ennio Tardini buzzed with anticipation as Parma unveiled former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino as their new head coach, just two days after dismissing Spanish manager Carlos Cuesta. The club hopes the 44‑year‑old world‑cup winner can reverse a worrying start to the season.

Contract details and staff

Gilardino signed a deal that runs until the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option to extend for two further years depending on results. He will be assisted by Gaetano Caridi as deputy coach, alongside technical staff Francesco Valiani, Antonio Bovenzi and Mirco Vecchi.

Parma’s current predicament

Parma sit in 15th place in Serie A, having collected only four points from five matches. The club’s recent transfer window saw key players leave, intensifying the pressure to stay in the top flight.

Gilardino returns to the gialloblù after a playing spell from 2002 to 2005, during which he featured in 116 games and netted 56 goals. He was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup‑winning squad.

Before accepting the Parma role, Gilardino endured a difficult stint at Pisa, leaving the side in a precarious relegation battle. Parma’s hierarchy expects him to replicate the success he enjoyed in his first Serie A managerial season with Genoa.

His introductory press conference, captioned “Foto: ANSA / Ansa - Brasil”, highlighted the club’s ambition to improve both performance and points tally after a season marred by under‑investment.

The official presentation is scheduled for Thursday, 1 October, at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, where Gilardino will outline his plan to steer the team away from the relegation zone.