Cagliari sack manager Massimo Rastelli

Cagliari have sacked manager Massimo Rastelli, making him the first Serie A casualty this season.

The news comes just two days after the side's 3-2 home loss to Genoa, their fourth straight defeat in Serie A.

The result leaves Cagliari 13th in the table and one point above the relegation zone with eight games played to date.

Rastelli joined the Sardinian side in June 2015 following their relegation from the top flight and immediately guided them to the Serie B title, then an 11th-place finish last term.

In a statement, the club said: "Cagliari Calcio confirms that Massimo Rastelli has been relieved from duties managing the first time.

"Our thanks to Rastelli for his professionalism and passion over the last two years, helping us win the Serie B championship and attaining 11th place in last season."

Next up for Cagliari is a tough trip to the capital on Sunday to face high-flying Lazio.