Parma appoints Gilardino as new head coach after slow start
Parma Calcio 1913 has named Alberto Gilardino as its new head coach, replacing Carlos Cuesta after just five matches in Serie A. The change, confirmed on 29 September 2026, follows a mutual agreement to end Cuesta’s tenure as the club sits 15th with only four points.
Gilardino officially signed a contract until June 2027, with an option for extension, after finalising his exit from Pisa, where he was dismissed in February 2026. The 44-year-old former Italy striker will make his debut on the Parma bench on 10 October against Inter at San Siro.
A familiar face returns to Collecchio
Gilardino last wore the gialloblù jersey as a player between 2002 and 2005, scoring 51 goals in Serie A for the club. His most iconic moment came in the 2005 relegation playoff against Bologna, when his goal saved Parma from dropping to Serie B. His return as coach has reignited nostalgic sentiment among supporters, many of whom see him as a stabilising figure after a turbulent start to the season.
Cuesta, 31, met with the squad at the Collecchio training centre on 27 September for a farewell lunch. Most players attended, though those on international duty were absent. The club described the split as consensual, though internal disagreements over summer transfer strategy are widely reported.
The five-match record under Cuesta
Under Cuesta, Parma’s numbers were concerning:
• 1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses
• 4 goals scored, 7 conceded
• Eliminated from the Coppa Italia in the first round
Results included a 0–1 home loss to Cagliari on 29 August, a 2–0 defeat at Juventus, and a 1–2 loss to an unnamed opponent on 13 September (the fourth match). The sole win came on 20 September, a 2–1 home victory over Genoa.
Local media reported growing frustration among fans over tactical rigidity and missed chances, with some fan forums calling for a change as early as mid-September.
Gilardino’s coaching path
Gilardino’s managerial career began in 2018 with Rezzato, progressing to Pro Vercelli and Siena. His most notable achievement came at Genoa: after taking over the first team in December 2022, he led them to promotion from Serie B with 15 wins in 24 games, then secured 11th place in Serie A the following season with 49 points—a feat that earned praise for his man-management.
His stint at Pisa in 2025–2026 ended prematurely after only 23 league games, with the team recording just one win and 14 points. Critics pointed to poor conversion of chances, though supporters noted his efforts to develop underperforming players amid financial constraints.
What changes now?
The club’s statement cited a lack of foundation to develop its long-term sporting project as the reason for the change. For fans, Gilardino represents not just experience, but identity. His ability to connect with younger players and his reputation for building solid structures could be crucial as Parma fights to avoid relegation.
His first task is restoring confidence in a squad that has conceded late goals in three of its five matches.
In a brief statement upon arrival, Gilardino said: “Sono contento! Ci vediamo presto.”
The return of a club legend may not solve Parma’s problems overnight—but it has given supporters something they haven’t had in months: hope.
