Reuters, Messina
Serie A strugglers Messina have sacked their coach Bortolo Mutti following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to relegation rivals Udinese.

Messina said on their official website that they expected to name Mutti’s replacement later on Monday.

Mutti took over at Messina in 2003 and led the club to promotion to Serie A. Last season they finished in an impressive seventh place but the Sicilians are currently 18th in the 20-team league and occupy the final relegation slot.

Italian media reports suggested former Udinese and Cagliari coach Gianpiero Ventura is the favourite for the job.