Palermo give Del Neri the push
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Article summary
US Città di Palermo have sacked Luigi Del Neri after succumbing to a third defeat in five league games - a 3-1 reverse at home to mid-table side AC Siena.
Article body
US Città di Palermo have sacked Luigi Del Neri following their latest league defeat - a 3-1 reverse at home to AC Siena.
Turbulent times
Del Neri joined Palermo on a two-year deal last summer following a turbulent season which saw him sacked by FC Porto and resign from AS Roma. However, this term has brought more disappointment for the 55-year-old, with the Sicilian side having struggled to build on the successes of last season and currently lying tenth in Serie A with just 26 points from 22 games.
Final straw
Del Neri had been under pressure since before Christmas but president Maurizio Zamparini saw fit to keep faith in the former AC Chievo Verona coach as reward for taking the team to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. This third defeat in five league matches, though, proved the final straw for Zamparini, who will announce the name of the new coach tomorrow. Former S.S. Lazio coach Giuseppe Papadopulo is the favourite to step in. Palermo face SK Slavia Praha in UEFA Cup Round of 32 in February 16 and 23.
