[D-Kin]

Ballardini for Cagliari - official Saturday 29 December, 2007

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After a period of uncertainty, Cagliari have officially unveiled Davide Ballardini as their new Coach.

Marco Giampaolo started the season at the helm at the Stadio Sant’Elia but was replaced by Nedo Sonetti in November.

However, the experienced boss was unable to arrest the Rossoblu’s freefall and opted to reign as rumours circulated that he would be axed.

Giampaolo is still under contract, but he refused to return to the club and finally Ballardini has taken the hot seat.

“Cagliari are pleased to reveal that Ballardini is the new Coach. We would like to thank Sonetti for his work and his consummate professionalism,” a statement on the club’s website reads.

Ballardini is just 44-years-old and has limited experience having been in charge of Serie C Sambenedettese and Parma’s Primavera youth side.

He also took the reigns at Cagliari back in 2005 in a similar situation before ironically making way for Sonetti.

Ballardini’s debut for the rock bottom Sardinians is a tough test against high-flying Udinese on January 13.

channel4.com - Football Italia