Serie A

Lecce Sack Beretta

Second-from-bottom Lecce have sacked coach Mario Beretta and handed Luigi De Canio the challenge of keeping the team in Serie A.

“Lecce announces Mario Beretta has been relieved of the position of coach,” the club said on their website. “Luigi De Canio is the new first team coach.”

Beretta was dismissed after promoted Lecce were held to a 0-0 home draw by bottom club Reggina on Sunday, having lost their four previous games.

De Canio counts among his former clubs Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and Siena. His most recent job was as coach of Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

Lecce, who were promoted to the top flight after finishing third in Serie B last season, currently lie second bottom, having won just four games since their return to Serie A.