SPAL have officially fired coach Leonardo Semplici, who took the club from Serie C to the top flight, and are expected to appoint Gigi Di Biagio.
“SPAL announce that first team coach Leonardo Semplici has been removed from his post,” read a statement.
“The club thanks Mister Semplici and his staff for the work done and results achieved over the years.”
The decision was made after a 2-1 home defeat to Sassuolo, their 16th Serie A loss of the campaign, along with three draws and four wins.
It’s the end of an era for 52-year-old Semplici, as he took the SPAL job in December 2014 when they were still in Serie C.
He took them to promotion into Serie B for the first time in 23 years, then the very next season achieved promotion into Serie A, ending their 49-year wait for a return to the top flight.
Semplici continued his remarkable achievements with SPAL, keeping them in Serie A for the 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns.
Former Italy Under-21 international coach Gigi Di Biagio is expected to take over.