Lazio sack coach Stefano Pioli after derby defeat

Lazio on Sunday sacked Stefano Pioli following a 4-1 defeat to derby rivals Roma and handed the reins to youth team coach Simone Inzaghi.

Lazio remain in eighth place but are now 31 points behind leaders Juventus, 21 adrift of Roma and 14 behind Fiorentina in Europa League qualifying place.

The Serie A strugglers said in a short statement: “Lazio announces the departure of first team coach Stefano Pioli. The first team squad will be taken by Simone Inzaghi.”

La #SSLaziocomunica di aver sollevato dall’incarico il mister Stefano #Pioli.
Il comunicato t.co/vDGcuGaW6w

— SS Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) April 3, 2016
Inzaghi is the brother of former AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi, who was sacked by the Rossoneri last year after failing to find success with the seven-time European champions.

He will take charge ahead of Lazio’s trip to relegation-threatened Palermo next week in what will be his first coaching appointment at senior level.