Struggling Sassuolo hire veteran Ballardini as new coach

Davide Ballardini was hired on Friday by Serie A strugglers Sassuolo in an attempt to avoid relegation after sacking Alessio Dionisi last weekend.

Davide Ballardini è il nuovo allenatore del Sassuolo ✍️

Il Comunicato ➡️ https://t.co/qOsRNfVIGO 📄

Benvenuto Mister! 🖤💚 #ForzaSasol pic.twitter.com/z7Kk4T01dR

— U.S. Sassuolo (@SassuoloUS) March 1, 2024

Sassuolo said that Ballardini had been brought in "until June 30, 2024", replacing Dionisi who was fired following Sunday's 3-2 home defeat to Empoli.

Emiliano Bigica was caretaker manager for Sassuolo's 6-1 home hammering at the hands of Napoli on Wednesday which dropped them into the drop zone.

Ballardini has had a long career, largely at Italy's lesser lights.

The 60-year-old last coached Serie B side Cremonese, who he took down from the top flight last season before being sacked in September.

His first match is on Sunday against Verona, who sit above 18th-placed Sassuolo on goal difference.