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

GENOA, Italy — Genoa confirmed Patrick Vieira as its new coach on Wednesday and it remains to be seen what implications that will have for Mario Balotelli, less than a month after the former Italy forward joined the Serie A club.

Genoa have dismissed coach Alberto Gilardino after a poor start to the Serie A season, with multiple reports indicating that former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira is set to take over.

Patrick Vieira has been appointed as Genoa head coach. The former Arsenal midfielder replaces Alberto Gilardino, who was sacked by the Serie A club on Tuesday. Genoa have not yet confirmed the length of Vieira’s appointment but say the 48-year-old will take charge of his first training session and finalise his contract later on Wednesday.

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.

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of Serie A club Genoa. The 48-year-old joins a club that is in 17th position in the Italian top flight, one point above the relegation zone.

Genoa have appointed former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira as their new coach, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

Genoa have sacked their manager Alberto Gilardino after a disastrous start to the season which has seen them fall to 17th in the league, and Patrick Vieira has taken over.Genoa finished 11th in the