Malesani comes in for Cagni at Empoli

Alberto Malesani has replaced Luigi Cagni as coach of Empoli FC after a difficult start in Serie A which saw the Tuscany side take just ten points from 13 games.

European qualification
The 51-year-old Malesani, dismissed by Udinese Calcio in January, takes over from the 57-year-old Cagni, who led Empoli to a UEFA Cup place last season. However, his side lost 4-2 on aggregate against Swiss champions FC Zürich in the first round. A goalless draw against Torino FC on Sunday proved to be Cagni's last game his charge, leaving his side third from bottom in Serie A. "I think we played a good game especially in the second half, so I don't understand this decision even if I have to accept it," the former Piacenza Calcio coach said. Empoli are the sixth Serie A club to change coach this season.