Struggling Livorno today appointed Serse Cosmi as their new manager following the sacking of Gennaro Ruotolo.

Cosmi, who has not coached a Serie A side since leaving Udinese in 2006, has been handed the task of keeping the Leghorn-based club in the top flight. Winless Livorno lie at the foot of the Serie A standings having collected three points from eight games. Cosmi's last position was boss of Serie B side Brescia

Ruotolo earlier paid the price for the club's poor form, Sunday's 2-1 loss to Palermo, their fifth defeat of the season, proving the final straw. A club statement read: "Livorno can announce it has dismissed Gennaro Ruotolo as head coach of the first team. The club wishes to thank Ruotolo for the work done up to now."

Ruotolo joined the Amaranto earlier this year and led the club to promotion to Italy's top flight last May. The 42-year-old endured a difficult spell in his first season coaching in Serie A, however.

Livorno have the worst attack in the division with just two goals scored and have yet to claim their maiden victory of the campaign.