Cosmi sacked by Livorno

Serse Cosmi on Monday became the 15th coaching casualty in Serie A this season after being sacked by rock bottom Livorno, Italian press reports the coach as saying.

According to Italian media reports, one of his predecessors, Gennaro Ruotolo, will replace the 51-year-old.

Ruotolo, who only took over for the final game of last season, was sacked eight games into this season and replaced by Cosmi.

He had been working with a mentor, Vittorio Russo, because Ruotolo does not have the necessary qualifications to coach in Serie A.

However, due to a loophole in the regulations regarding the end of the season, Ruotolo can assume sole responsibility this time around despite still not having the right diploma.

Cosmi, who initially took over at Livorno in October, quit his post in January over disagreements with president Aldo Spinelli but was convinced to return just two days later.

It is quite common in Italy for previously sacked coaches to replace their successors. Although removed from their post they often remain on the club’s payroll, so when their successor is fired, the president can bring back a coach already being paid by the club.