Parma agree deal with Gilardino as Italy World Cup winner set to return as coach | OneFootball

Alberto Gilardino is set to return to Parma as a coach, having reached an agreement with the Ducali to replace Carlos Cuesta.

Parma and Cuesta parted ways by mutual consent on Sunday, and today the former Arsenal assistant coach returned to the training centre one last time to say goodbye to the team and empty his locker.

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Carlos Cuesta, Head Coach of Parma Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Gilardino, an ex-Parma and Italy striker, has already agreed to take over at the Stadio Tardini and will sign his contract later today, according to Sky Sport, TMW and Tuttosport.

Gilardino scored 56 goals in 116 Parma games between 2002 and 2005, after which he joined Serie A giants Milan.

He was part of the Italy squad that won the 2006 World Cup, scoring in the second group-stage game against the USMNT.

FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 15: Alberto Gilardino manager of Genoa CFC gestures during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Genoa CFC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 15, 2024 in Florence, Italy.(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Cuesta was in his second season at Parma and had secured a rather comfortable survival in his debut Serie A campaign in 2025-26.

Before signing his contract with Parma, Gilardino will have to terminate his deal with Pisa, with whom he remained under contract after being sacked this past February.

Parma have collected four points in the opening five Serie A games this season, with their only win coming in their most recent game against Gilardino’s former club, Genoa.