Parma are set to appoint Arsenal assistant Carlos Cuesta as their new head coach, according to multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia.
Cuesta, who turns 30 next month, will become one of the youngest head coaches in the history of the Italian top flight.
So what is it about Cuesta that makes him one of the most promising young minds in Europe right now?
Who is Carlos Cuesta?
Born in Mallorca, Carlos Cuesta has never played professionally, but what he lacks in playing pedigree, he more than makes up for in tactical acumen.
His coaching journey began in the youth setups at Atletico Madrid and later at Juventus, where he worked with the Under-17s. By 25, he had joined Mikel Arteta’s backroom team at Arsenal, where he quickly became an integral figure.
Despite not being the lead assistant, Cuesta was widely respected by players and staff alike. He was particularly known for his tactical insight, deep preparation, and strong communication skills.
Former Arsenal midfielder and Milan target Granit Xhaka once predicted Cuesta would “one day be a manager for a big, big, big club.” That day appears to have arrived sooner than expected.
Why Cuesta is a Major Loss for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta
The move is a significant blow for Arsenal, who have relied on a stable and cohesive coaching team under Arteta since 2020.
Cuesta played a central role in Arsenal’s tactical preparation and was instrumental in their recent Premier League title pushes. His departure leaves a gap in Arteta’s coaching setup, especially with preseason preparations already underway.
Arteta, who took a similar leap when he left Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City to take the Arsenal job, has previously expressed his belief in giving young coaches opportunities.
“People don’t want to do the same thing for five years,” Arteta said. “We all need opportunities. I got mine without any experience in coaching, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Now, Cuesta will have his.
Why Parma Chose Carlos Cuesta Over Bigger Names
Parma’s decision is not without risk. The club finished 16th in Serie A last season and had been linked with more experienced names, including Daniele De Rossi and Mark van Bommel.
But they have instead opted for Cuesta, seeing in him the kind of progressive, modern coach capable of leading a long-term rebuild.
His familiarity with Italian football, gained during his time at Juventus, and his experience in the high-pressure environment of the Premier League make him an intriguing fit.
Parma clearly believes Cuesta is the right man to inject new energy into the squad and lead the club into a more stable, ambitious future.
Youngest Coaches in Serie A History
1. Elio Loschi (1939) – 29 years, 9 months, 20 days
2. Carlos Cuesta (2025) – 29 years, 10 months, 20 days*
3. Cesare Migliorini (1931) – 30 years, 2 months, 27 days
4. Leopoldo Conti (1931) – 30 years, 5 months, 8 days
5. Hermann Felsner (1929) – 30 years, 6 months, 4 days
Cuesta will become the second-youngest head coach in Serie A this century, only behind Elio Loschi, who took over Triestina in 1939.
He will also become the youngest current manager in Europe’s top five leagues, putting him in the same bracket as other recent managerial prodigies like Julian Nagelsmann, who was 28 when he took over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Parma’s decision mirrors a broader trend in European football: placing trust in younger, highly analytical coaches who bring fresh ideas.
Like Nagelsmann, Cuesta is known for his obsessive approach to detail and player development — qualities Parma hopes will lift them back up the Serie A table.
For fans looking to follow Serie A and Parma more closely this season, especially in terms of betting insights, you can check out our list of the best offshore sportsbooks offering great odds and coverage of Italian football.
As Cuesta steps into the managerial spotlight, all eyes will be on Emilia-Romagna to see whether this young tactician can transform promise into performance.
