Official: Palermo Sack Colantuono, Bring In Ballardini

Colantuono was in his second spell as boss of Palermo, having originally taken over for the start of the 2007/08 season. However, after a shaky start to that campaign, including a 5-0 thumping at Juventus, Colantuono was sacked in November of last year.

He was then brought back by fiery President Maurizio Zamparini in March 2008, but even before the new season began many wondered how long it would last before he was on his way out again, with Goal.com labeling Colantuono as the favourite to be sacked first in Serie A.

The Rosanero made sweeping changes over the summer, selling big names such as Amauri, Andrea Barzagli and Christian Zaccardo, and bringing in youngsters such as Antonio Nocerino, Marco Amelia and Davide Lanzafame in their places.

However, the start to the season has been very poor, with an exit in the Coppa Italia to Ravenna, before an opening day 3-1 Serie A defeat at Udinese, where they were thoroughly outplayed.

The writing was on the wall for Colantuono after the clash in Udine, when Zamparini stated: "Obviously I hope Stefano Colantuono can stay at the helm for a long time, but after seeing the friendly defeat to Portogruaro, the Coppa exit to Ravenna and this loss to Udinese, obviously we have to evaluate our position after the Roma game."

It has now been officially announced this morning that Colantuono has been sacked as coach of Palermo, with Davide Ballardini immediately called in to replace him.

Ballardini last season led Cagliari to survival in Serie A, and before this announcement he had been second favourite to take over the West Ham United job, following the resignation of Alan Curbishley yesterday.

Anthony Sormani