Torino FC have sacked coach Walter Novellino despite a vote of confidence and have replaced him with Levante UD boss Gianni de Biasi.

Unhappy supporters
Novellino received boardroom backing following Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Genoa CFC, but matters came to a head after protesting fans booed the players during a training session on Tuesday. That prompted the decision to postpone Wednesday morning's training session and Torino president Urbano Cairo took even stronger action later on Tuesday when dismissing Novellino. The 54-year-old former UC Sampdoria coach had been in charge of the seven-times Italian champions since the summer.

Third spell
Novellino's immediate predecessor, De Biasi, now returns to the Granata helm for a third time, having parted company with Levante to accept the post. De Biasi has signed a contract until the season's end with an option for a second season if Torino - presently 14th in Serie A, four points above the relegation places - avoid relegation. Cairo said: "Having worked with him when he led us to promotion and for 14 games last season we know De Biasi's qualities well. He is a very reliable person and a great motivator." De Biasi led the Turin club to promotion in 2005/06, then helped to secure their top-flight status when he resumed control between February and May last year. He was, however, unable to improve Levante's ranking in Spain after his arrival last October: the Valencia-based team sit bottom of the Primera División.