Relegation-threatened Cagliari have sacked coach Gianfranco Zola on Monday after less than three months in charge following a miserable run of results.
Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Sampdoria was Cagliari's fifth loss in their last six league games and was the last straw for the club's board.
The outcome in Genoa left Cagliari in 18th place, four points adrift of safety.
A statement from the club read: "Cagliari announces it has dismissed Gianfranco Zola and his staff.
"It's a painful decision taken by the club with respect to a great man that has written unforgettable pages in this club's history books.
"We wish to thank Zola and his staff for the work, dedication and passion shown in recent months.
"We wish all of them the best in their careers."
Zola, 48, replaced Zdenek Zeman at the helm of the Sardinian outfit during the winter break.
The former Chelsea star, who played at Cagliari before retiring from professional football in 2005, has failed to make an impact at the club, guiding the Sardinian side to just two victories in 10 games in charge.
Cagliari are winless since January 24 and have collected one point since.
The islanders host Empoli on Saturday with Zeman reportedly linked by the local media to return to the Cagliari hotseat.
Source: PA
