Parma appoint former player Alberto Gilardino after Carlos Cuesta departure

Parma have appointed former player Alberto Gilardino as their new manager after parting company with Carlos Cuesta on Sunday.

The 44-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season, with Parma holding an option to extend the agreement for a further two seasons.

Gilardino returns to the club where his playing career began to flourish. He spent three seasons at Parma, scoring 50 goals in 96 Serie A appearances, and later represented AC Milan and Fiorentina.

A World Cup winner with Italy, Gilardino has also worked as a manager with Siena, Genoa and Pisa.

He took charge of promoted side Pisa last season but was dismissed after recording one win in 23 league games.

Parma confirmed Cuesta’s departure following discussions with the Spaniard. The club said “the conditions no longer existed between the parties to continue the professional relationship, particularly concerning the development of the sporting project”.

Cuesta’s exit came after Parma made a difficult start to the campaign, winning one of their opening five league matches.

Gilardino’s first game in charge will be a demanding away fixture against reigning champions Inter Milan.