Cagliari axe Ballardini, rehire Ficcadenti

Cagliari has fired Davide Ballardini and rehired Massimo Ficcadenti, marking the 15th coaching change in the 20-team Italian league this season - and the third switch for the Sardinian club.

Cagliari made the announcement Sunday, two days after losing 6-3 at Napoli. The team is tied for 16th place, one spot above the relegation zone.

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino fired Roberto Donadoni in August and replaced him with Ficcadenti before the season began. Ballardini then replaced Ficcadenti in November, but Ficcadenti was still under contract and will manage the club again in the final 11 matches of the campaign.

Under Ballardini, Cagliari had four wins, six draws and seven losses.