Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has sacked coach Stefano Pioli on the eve of the new Serie A season.

The news comes on the same day as the signing of Paraguayan international Edgar Barreto and before a ball has been kicked in Serie A.

A short statement on the club's website said: "US Citta di Palermo announced the dismissal of first-team coach Stefano Pioli. The role has been entrusted to youth-team coach Devis Mangia. We thank Pioli and his staff for their work."