Serie A strugglers Genoa have today sacked coach Alberto Malesani after just three games back in charge and appointed Luigi De Canio as his replacement. Yesterday's 4-1 defeat to Siena left Genoa just one place and one point clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.

A statement from Genoa said: "The coaching change is official. After Alberto Malesani, here is Gigi De Canio. The new coach has guided his first training session today in Milan."

Malesani started the season at Genoa but was dismissed before the Christmas break following a demoralising 6-1 loss at Napoli. The veteran coach was reappointed earlier this month in place of Pasquale Marino but failed to guide Genoa to victory during his brief spell.

Genoa have not won a game since 5 February and have taken just six points since then. Sunday's Serie A game at the Luigi Ferraris stadium was stopped for 45 minutes with Genoa trailing 4-0 early in the second half after an altercation between fans and players.