Palermo sack Colantuono again

Stefano Colantuono has become the first coaching casualty of the new Serie A season after being sacked by Palermo for a second time following Saturday's 3-1 loss at Udinese and an early exit from the Coppa Italia.

The 45-year-old Colantuono was first dismissed by Palermo last November after four months in charge, before returning to the Sicilian club to replace Francesco Guidolin in March.

However, a Coppa Italia defeat by newly-promoted Serie B outfit Ravenna, compounded by the reverse in Udine on the opening weekend of the Serie A campaign, have cost him the job once again.

The 44-year-old Davide Ballardini has been appointed as his successor.

Ballardini helped Cagliari avoid relegation last season but failed to agree a new contract with the Sardinian side.

Source: UEFA