LA SPEZIA, ITALY - MARCH 20: Leonardo Semplici manager of Cagliari Calcio shouts instructions to his players during the Serie A match between Spezia Calcio and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Alberto Picco on March 20, 2021 in La Spezia, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Cagliari Officially Fire Leonardo Semplici after Three Matches

It is Black Tuesday in Serie A as two coaches lost their job in the span of a few hours. After Verona, Cagliari elected to make an early switch on their bench too. The Sardinians have announced the sacking of Leonardo Semplici and have begun looking for a new boss.

Semplici took over from Eusebio Di Francesco last February. They quickly grabbed their first victory after 16 negative results in a row. They had a great run in the final stretch of the season, collecting four wins and three draws, and avoided relegation. However, he pays the price for a poor start in the 2021-2022 campaign. Cagliari are coming off an awful loss to Genoa, where they squandered a two-nothing lead. They equalized with Spezia and lost to Milan in the first two contests.

Cagliari considered making a change in the offseason but ultimately stuck with Semplici. He ends his stint with six wins, five ties, and seven losses in 18 games. He was coming off a lengthy run with SPAL, which he brought back to Serie A after decades in the lower leagues.

The Sardinians are tracking multiple options to fill their opening. According to Alfredo Pedullà, Walter Mazzarri is the top choice of president Leonardo Giulini. Cagliari reportedly wanted him last season instead of Semplici, but the veteran turned them down at that point. The other options are Diego Lopez, who would be making a comeback, and Giuseppe Iachini. The chairman is also examining the position of director Stefano Capozucca.