Gianfranco Zola has been sacked as coach of Cagliari only two and a half months after taking charge of the Sardinian club, with his predecessor Zdenek Zeman returning in his place.
Zeman was fired on Dec. 23 and replaced by former West Ham and Watford boss Zola, who was assuming his first coaching role in Serie A at a side then third from the bottom of the table, three points from safety, and having failed to win any of their previous eight matches.
The Sardinia-born former Chelsea star was not able to bring about an improvement, though, winning only two of his 10 games in charge, and Cagliari are now four points adrift of safety having lost five of their last six games.
"Cagliari Calcio announce that Gianfranco Zola and his first-team coaching staff have been relieved of their duties," a statement on the Serie A club's official website read.
Hours later, the club confirmed that Zeman returned as manager.
"Zeman and his working group (come) with the best wishes for the achievement of the objectives that the club and fans expect," a statement said.
Former Italy international Zola had ended his playing career at Cagliari after leaving Chelsea in 2003, and the statement added: "It is a decision taken reluctantly in view of a great man who has written unforgettable pages in the history of Cagliari, giving lustre and international prestige to Sardinia.
"Our gratitude goes to him and his assistants for the dedicated, professional and passionate work carried out over these months with warm wishes of good luck for the continuation of his career."
Although Cagliari have yet to announce who will replace Zola for the final 12 games of the Serie A season, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Czech coach Zeman is to be recalled.
Zeman is still on the club's wage bill and could now return to prepare for Saturday night's clash with Empoli, who are nine points ahead of the Sardinians and not yet out of relegation danger.