Palermo have confirmed in an official statement that coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been sacked following Sunday's defeat to Atalanta.

The Serie A strugglers slipped to joint-bottom of the table in a 2-1 home defeat to Atalanta last weekend, a result that made it nine matches without a win for the Sicilians.

Palermo have decided to sack their second manager of the season after the loss, despite Gasperini being absent from the touchline on Sunday due to a suspension.

A statement on the club's website read: "Palermo announce that we have relieved Gian Piero Gasperini of his first-team duties.

"The name of the new coach will be announced tomorrow."

Former Fiorentina boss Alberto Malesani has emerged as the early favourite to take the job.