Ballardini replaces Sonetti at Cagliari

Serie A strugglers Cagliari Calcio have decided to sack coach Nedo Sonetti and appoint Davide Ballardini as new coach in the latest twist in a turbulent period at the Sardinian club.

Humiliating defeat
The 66-year-old Sonetti handed in his resignation last week but was convinced to stay on after the refusal of Marco Giampaolo to return as coach of the club he left in November. However, following their humiliating 5-1 defeat at ACF Fiorentina on Sunday Cagliari president Massimo Cellino decided to end Sonetti's short spell, handing the reins to former coach Ballardini.

Ballardini confident
Ballardini, 44 in January, enjoyed a brief period in charge during the 2005/06 season and also has experience from time at SS Sambenedettese Calcio and Pescara Calcio. He takes over a club bottom of Serie A with only two victories from 17 games to their name all season. Despite this Ballardini is confident he can keep Cagliari in the top flight, saying: "It is a challenge, but if it scared me I'd better change my job."