Football
Associated Press 8y

Palermo owner vows to keep Maurizio Ballardini in charge until next season

After making his ninth coaching change of the season, Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini promised he'll keep Davide Ballardini in charge regardless of whether the Sicilian club avoid relegation.

Walter Novellino was sacked following Sunday's 3-0 loss to Lazio, which left Palermo third from the bottom ahead of a visit to Serie A leader Juventus.

Ballardini was rehired for his second stint in charge this season and third overall. He previously coached Palermo in 2008-09 and from Nov. 10 to Jan. 11 this season.

"For the first time it's in the contract that he'll stay if we stay up. And he's prepared to remain even if we go down to Serie B, which is fine with me," Zamparini said on Tuesday. "I'll fight over a lot of things with him but not football."

Counting caretakers, Palermo have had seven different coaches this season: Giuseppe Iachini (twice), Ballardini (twice), Fabio Viviani, Guillermo Schelotto, Giovanni Bosi, Giovanni Tedesco and Novellino.

Zamparini has made almost 60 coaching changes in 29 years as a club owner, first at Venezia and then at Palermo.

Novellino had taken over last month and lasted only four matches -- a draw and three defeats.

Although Novellino's departure has yet to be officially confirmed by the club, the news of Ballardini's return for a second spell in charge this season was announced on the website after he took training.

"Under the guidance of Davide Ballardini, [Palermo players] played technical exercises, tactical work and a game in midfield," said a report on the club website.

Crowd trouble during Novellino's last game in charge has led to Palermo being ordered to play a game behind closed doors.

Firecrackers, flares and other missiles were thrown onto the pitch at the Stadio Renzo Barbera during the game and the Serie A club will pay the price against Atalanta on April 20.

A statement on the Sicilian club's website read: "The Palermo v Atalanta match on the 34th match day of the Serie A championship scheduled at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on Wednesday, April 20 at 20:45 will be held behind closed doors. This is the decision of the Sports Judge Gianpaolo Tosel."

In a statement on the league website, Tosel said that during the Palermo game with Lazio firecrackers, smoke bombs and other missiles - including seats -- had been thrown by the home supporters.

The match was stopped during both first and second halves -- for five minutes in total -- and flares landed close to players and officials.

Having evaluated the behaviour of the fans and with regard to league rules, Tosel decided Palermo would be required to play their next home game behind closed doors.

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