Parma turn to World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino after Carlos Cuesta sacking

The 44-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season, with Parma holding an option to extend the deal for another two years.

Gilardino has been out of work since leaving Pisa in January. His time there ended after a difficult Serie A campaign in which he recorded one win, 11 draws and 11 defeats.

The former AC Milan and Parma striker returns to a club he knows well, having spent three seasons with Parma between 2002 and 2005.

Gilardino was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad and scored 17 goals in 57 international appearances. His coaching career has been less successful so far, although he made a strong impression at Genoa.

He guided Genoa back into Serie A in 2023 and then helped them secure top-flight survival the following season before being dismissed in the autumn of 2024.

Gilardino now faces the task of lifting Parma, who are 15th in Serie A.

Cuesta was dismissed after 14 months in charge. The Spaniard, who had previously worked as an assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, guided Parma to 13th place in his first season.

However, Parma made a poor start to the new campaign, losing three of their opening five league matches before also suffering a Coppa Italia defeat against Serie B side Cremonese.

Gilardino's first test will be a difficult one, with Parma travelling to face champions Inter Milan on October 10.