Lazio appoint Reja after sacking Ballardini

(GETTY IMAGES)

Lazio have sacked coach Davide Ballardini and replaced him with former Napoli boss Edy Reja.

Ballardini had been under immense pressure following last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Catania that dropped Lazio to 18th place in Serie A, one point behind safety.

A statement from the club read: "SS Lazio announces that it has sacked coach Davide Ballardini and his staff.

"Coach Edoardo Reja has taken over the team."

The Biancoceleste, who were eliminated from the Europa League before the winter break and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia last month, have won just four and lost nine of their 23 games this season.

Ballardini replaced Delio Rossi last summer.

Reja was released from his contract with Croatian side Hajduk Split and is set to pen a contract with the Biancoceleste outfit until June 2011.

Reja's first game in charge will be at Parma on Sunday.