Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already have Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him -- which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli. Genoa are just a point above the Serie A drop zone having lost half of their league matches.

GENOA, Italy (AP) — Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already has Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him — which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli.

Genoa have parted ways with coach Alberto Gilardino, the Serie A club announced on Tuesday, with Sky Sport Italia saying they will appoint former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

Serie A will have a third coaching chance during the November international break after Roma and Lecce, although with a one-week delay. Genoa decided out of the blue to sack Alberto Gilardino and