Perotti proud to take Empoli role

Empoli FC have sacked coach Daniele Baldini and replaced him with Attilio Perotti after the club's disappointing start to the season.

Two-year contract
Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Udinese Calcio left Empoli second from bottom in Serie A. Baldini only took charge in the summer on a two-year contract but the club took action after his first six league games in charge failed to produce a victory.

Coach delighted
Perotti, whose only previous top-flight experience was with Hellas-Verona FC, will take charge of the team until the end of June. "I am very happy that Empoli have chosen me," he said. "I am really satisfied, and proud that my name has been chosen. I have signed the contract without any hesitation, but I am sad for Daniele Baldini."

All change
Baldini is the third Serie A coach to lose his job this season and the second in a week. Internazionale FC sacked Héctor Cúper at the weekend to follow on from Ancona Calcio's dismissal of Leonardo Menichini last month.

Chievo start
Perotti's first game in charge will be against AC Chievo Verona on Saturday. This is their second campaign in the top flight after winning promotion in 2001/02. They finished 12th in 2002/03 under Silvio Baldini, who left to become the coach at US Città di Palermo.