Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini made the decision late Wednesday, raising his total to 36 firings in his 24 years in the sport. He was previously the president of Venezia. On Aug. 12, Cagliari fired Roberto Donadoni and hired Massimo Ficcadenti. In both cases, the firings appeared related to a falling out with the club president. Pioli was hired in June after Delio Rossi left the club by mutual consent. Zamparini announced he's hoping Rossi returns before the strike-delayed opener against Inter Milan on Sept. 11. For now, youth squad coach Devis Mangia will take charge. Pioli's firings follow a disappointing transfer campaign for Palermo fans, which included the departures of five top players: Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, defenders Cesare Bovo and Mattia Cassani, midfielder Antonio Nocerino and forward Javier Pastore—who was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for an astonishing ?42 million ($60 million). Zamparini indicated recently he may leave or sell the squad.
