Parma Transfer News: Alberto Gilardino Has Signed. All Members of His Staff Have Been Officially Announced

It’s now official: Alberto Gilardino is Parma’s new head coach. The Gialloblù club announced the signing of the former Italian national team striker and former Parma player, who has signed a contract through the end of the 2026–2027 season with an option for the club to extend it for two additional seasons.

For the 2006 World Cup champion, this marks a return to Parma, where he had already made his mark as a player between 2002 and 2005. While wearing the Ducali’s jersey, he made 116 appearances and scored 56 goals, becoming one of the most highly regarded forwards in Italian soccer. Gilardino takes over for Carlos Cuesta, who was fired on Sunday by the Emilia-based club—a controversial decision that came just days after Parma’s first win of the season, a 2-1 victory over Genoa in league play.

After retiring as a player, Gilardino began his coaching career by leading Rezzato, Pro Vercelli, Genoa, and Pisa, gaining experience leading up to his new adventure on the Gialloblù bench. Parma is now counting on his knowledge of the club and his coaching abilities to revitalize the team’s project.

The club has also officially announced the full coaching staff that will support the new head coach. Gaetano Caridi will serve as assistant coach, while Francesco Valiani will be the technical advisor. Rounding out the coaching staff are strength and conditioning coach Antonio Bovenzi and match analyst Mirco Vecchi. In the press release announcing the appointment, Parma extended a warm welcome to Gilardino and his staff on behalf of President Kyle J. Krause, CEO Federico Cherubini, and the entire club, officially kicking off this new chapter on the bench.