Udinese sack Stefano Colantuono after defeat to AS Roma

Udinese coach Stefano Colantuono has been sacked a day after fans clashed with players during a 2-1 defeat to Roma.

The northerners’ 15th defeat of the campaign left them in 16th place in Serie A, four points above the drop zone.

A statement by the Serie A club said: “Udinese announces that Stefano Colantuono and his staff have been relieved of their first team coaching duties.

“We would like to thank the coach and his staff for the commitment and professionalism shown during these past months and wish him all the best for his professional career.”

Udinese were being led 2-0 at their newly-refurbished Friuli Stadium on Sunday when a group of hardline fans behind the goal angrily took several Udinese players to task.

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It caused a brief interruption although club officials were quick to drag the players back to the pitch.

Udinese forward Bruno Fernandes hit a late consolation for the hosts, but it was not enough to stop them from succumbing to a second consecutive defeat having ended an eight-game winless streak with victory over Verona two weeks ago.

Colantuono will leave the club with a year and two months still on his contract.

But the former Atalanta coach looked to be on borrowed time after club president Giampaolo Pozzo said recently he didn’t want to replace him because “there are no better alternatives on the market”.

Udinese have not yet named a successor to Colantuono.