Ficcadenti retakes Caglairi reigns

Massimo Ficcadenti has returned to coach Cagliari just four months after he was sacked. The Serie A strugglers confirmed Ficcadenti's return after Davide Ballardini and his staff were sacked following the 6-3 defeat to Napoli on Friday night. "The club announces that Cagliari Calcio coach Davide Ballardini has been suspended from his office together with his staff of Carlo Regno, Stefano Melandri, Nico Facciolo and Andrea Rinaldi," a statement on their official website read. "Training will be now be conducted by Mr Massimo Ficcadenti and Messrs Bruno Conca, Matthias Toffolutti and Hermes Fulgoni." Ballardini's dismissal comes after Cagliari lost their past three matches, and conceded 11 goals, to slip to a place above the drop zone. Ficcadenti's return is the fourth change in manager in eight months for the Sardinian club. Former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni was axed on the eve of the season and replaced by Ficcadenti before he was given his marching orders in November. Ballardini then managed just four wins in 17 games in charge to prompt Cagliari to recall Ficcadenti.