Struggling Spezia axe coach Gotti

Rome, Feb 15, 2023 (AFP) - Serie A strugglers Spezia on Wednesday fired coach Luca Gotti as they battle to avoid relegation from the Italian top flight.

"Spezia Calcio announces that it has relieved Luca Gotti of his position as head coach of the first team," said the club in a brief statement.

Spezia are the sixth club in Serie A to change coaches this season.

Italian media expected a seventh would soon follow reporting that Davide Nicola was under threat at Salernitana, who are one place above Spezia.

Gotti, a former Udinese manager, arrived last summer to replace Thiago Motta, who had led the promoted club to a 16th-place finish in his only season in charge.

Gotti leaves with the club 17th in the 20-club division, one place and two points clear of the relegation spots.

Spezia have won only one league game since the post-World Cup resumption in early January, drawing three and losing three.

They drew 2-2 at Empoli on Saturday after leading 2-0 with 20 minutes to play.

Spezia face Juventus on Sunday in Serie A.