Ballardini close to the sack

[tonny_thuong]

Lazio President Claudio Lotito is giving serious thought to firing Davide Ballardini, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Biancocelesti slid to third from bottom yesterday after a 1-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Catania.

Lotito apparently didn't stop by the dressing room to talk to Ballardini after the game, prompting Il Corriere to believe that their relationship is now on the ropes.

Ballardini then didn't help his case during the post-match Press Conference when he complained about Lotito's efforts in the January transfer window.

Lazio director of sport Igli Tare is said to have already had a meeting with Ballardini about his future. Lotito apparently has four names on a short list to replace him.

Giancarlo Camolese, the former Lazio midfielder, is the favourite, followed by Gigi Cagni, Daniele Arrigoni and Edy Reja, the current Hajduk Split manager.