Parma appointed the former Italy striker after ending their relationship with Carlos Cuesta. Gilardino has returned to the club where he scored 56 goals in 116 appearances between 2002 and 2005, signing through 2026-27 with an option for two further years.
Gilardino does not intend to impose a rigid formation on his squad. His first press conference instead focused on using the qualities of individual players and changing the team's approach according to the demands of each match.
“I believe a lot in the characteristics of the players and in trying to find the best fit for each individual player within the team. I don't believe in numbers but in the mental principles that a player can understand and put into practice: finding space, being aggressive, managing to push the line higher...
"Everything depends on the characteristics of the opponent and the strategy you want to implement. Every week there can be changes based on the players and our wishes. I have the possibility of having many variables within the team, in terms of technical and physical qualities, in one-on-ones.
"I will have to be good at tailoring the best fit. I think it is a team that can also vary during the match,” Gilardino said.
The 44-year-old also explained what he wants Parma to look like when they have the ball and when they are forced to defend deeper.
“It was all very quick, I received the phone call and I was happy, very happy and proud to be able to coach Parma. Those were my first feelings. In terms of what I want: I will need a complete picture when all the players return, but there are different moments within a match and we will have to be good at understanding them.
"There will be moments when we can go strongly, others when we have to defend in midfield and in the final third. In the proposal there is the desire to do something proactive to try to bring out the qualities of the players we have, and the players are available,” he said.
Gilardino was also asked whether the biggest change from Cuesta would come during possession.
“I think everyone has their own principles as a coach. There is no right or wrong. Cuesta did very well working in a certain way. I will probably change certain things. I think it is important to have spirit and DNA, to work on the characteristics of individuals and to accentuate certain types of situations. We have a team with specific characteristics,” he said.
Flexibility is therefore central to Gilardino’s plans as he prepares for his first match back in charge. Parma resume their Serie A campaign against Inter at San Siro on October 10.