Nedo Sonetti has been named new Cagliari coach following the dismissal of Marco Giampaolo.

Sonetti, 66, veteran returns to the club he guided to survival in 2005-06 for a third spell at the Stadio Sant'Elia. Sonetti has been unemployed since suffering relegation with Ascoli last term and had been heavily linked with the Reggina and Livorno jobs.

A 3-0 home defeat against Sampdoria was the final act in a miserable start to the season for Giampaolo.

The club announced last night: "Cagliari would like to communicate that Marco Giampaolo has been dismissed. The club would like to thank him for his efforts."