Udinese have dismissed head coach Stefano Colantuono after a 2-0 defeat to Roma at the weekend sparked protests in the Stadio Friuli.
The club have won just one of their last 11 matches, and confirmed on their official website that they had parted company with Colantuono.
"Udinese announces that the coach Stefano Colantuono and his staff have been relieved of their duties," a statement said.
"Udinese would like to thank the coach and his assistants for their efforts and professionalism during these months of work, wishing them better luck with the continuation of their professional careers."
Colantuono, speaking immediately after the Roma defeat, had said he was aware his position was precarious.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported him as saying: "I know this sport, and I know that the coach can sometimes be fired to shake things up. I wouldn't be the first, and I wouldn't be the last."
The former Atalanta coach added that he was confident the club would stay up, but added: "There's just always that bad feeling around here."
With nine games of the season remaining, Udinese are four points above the bottom three.
Former QPR manager Luigi De Canio, who coached them between 1999 and 2001, is being touted as Colantuono's likely replacement.