Palermo name Malesani as new coach

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has appointed his 25th coach since becoming club president in 2002, with the arrival of Alberto Malesani.

Malesani has been given the role after the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini with Palermo bottom of Serie A four points from safety.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Palermo can announce that it has entrusted Alberto Malesani to lead the first team.

“Malesani will take charge of his first training session this afternoon and will be presented to the press tomorrow morning.”

Malesani has previously taken charge of Bologna, Genoa and Parma where he won the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia.

Zamparini sacked Roberto Pruzzo, who had been in charge for five days, when he bought the club in 2002.

He also sacked young coach Stefano Colantuono in November 2007 and hired Francesco Guidolin for the fourth and final time before firing him in March 2008, re-hiring Stefano Colantuono.

The Palermo president has also hired current Udinese coach Guidolin four times and Delio Rossi twice, as well as employing the services of Serse Cosmi, but he was sacked after just four matches.