Roma end Zeman reign

AS Roma have parted company with coach Zdeněk Zeman in the wake of Friday's 4-2 home defeat by Cagliari Calcio with Aurelio Andreazzoli in interim charge.

The loss left Roma eighth in Serie A with 34 points in 23 games and 42 goals conceded, the second worst defensive record after Pescara Calcio, though they are in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, where they lead FC Internazionale Milano 2-1 after the home first leg. After thanking Zeman for his commitment, the club announced that the team will be led by Andreazzoli on a temporary basis. The 59-year-old has been on Roma's staff since 2005 when he was hired as assistant to Luciano Spalletti.

The 65-year-old Zeman joined Roma in the summer for a second spell after coaching the Giallorossi between 1997 and 1999. Born in Prague, he also coached city rivals S.S. Lazio after making his name with US Foggia in the late 80s and early 90s and among the many sides he has managed over the last three decaes are Fenerbahçe SK and FK Crvena zvezda. Last season he led Pescara to promotion.