Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has expressed his contempt at his players after their limp Coppa Italia exit to Alessandria.

The voluble President relieved former coach Beppe Iachini of his duties last month but, since David Ballardini's reappointment, the Rosanero have yet to taste victory.

Several prominent figures inside the Palermo dressing room, namely Franco Vazquez, voiced their dissent at the decision to sack Iachini, a favourite among the players.

Zamparini, it has been reported, admonished the midfielder for his comments on the issue.

'Contempt for Palermo'

Today I was ashamed of the way some players expressed their apathy on the pitch,” read a statement released by the President.

Wearing the pink jersey of Palermo must be an honour for any player, because it is loved by one of the best fan groups in Italy."

Zamparini pledged to sanction those "who show contempt for the shirt", adding that the "necessary steps will be taken."

The President, who cited a lack of ambition from Iachini as justification for his dismissal, refused to rule out a return for the longest-serving Palermo coach under his authority.

Palermo stunned

Palermo found themselves 2-0 down within 23 minutes as the Lega Pro side stunned the Sicilians.

Vazquez was given his marching orders for an ill-advised elbow on Alex Sirri on 22 minutes and, though Aleksandr Trajkovski reduced the arrears shortly after the interval, Gianluca Nicco compounded the hosts misery eight minutes from time.

Alberto Gilardino dispatched from 12 yards three minutes later but the forward's strike was in vain.

Palermo sit periously close to the relegation zone in Serie A as Ballardini searches for his first win.

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Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com