FORMER Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has been sacked by Serie A side Cagliari while simultaneously having his contract extended by two years.
A bizarre clause in his deal means he is set to remain employed by the Italian outfit until 2024, despite being dismissed from his position.
A short statement from the club read: "Cagliari Calcio announces that it has relieved Walter Mazzarri from his post as first-team coach."
Following the announcement of his sacking, Italian media then reported that, due to Cagliari not being in the bottom three, Mazzarri was entitled to a two-year contract extension.
He signed a new deal with the club in September which stated if Cagliari were to get rid of him when the team were outside of the relegation zone then he would be entitled to two more years of employment.
However, the club could yet choose to pay him off to ensure he is no longer on their books.
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Mazzarri's final game in charge saw them go down 2-1 to Verona on Saturday.
However, Salernitana's 1-1 draw with Atalanta meant Cagliari remain outside the bottom three – although Salernitana do still have a game in hand.
Cagliari are two points above the relegation zone with three Serie A matches remaining.
They take on Salernitana in a relegation six-pointer on Sunday – with youth team coach Alessandro Agostini set to take charge of the managerless side.
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Their final two games of the season then come against title-chasing Inter Milan and bottom side Venezia.
Mazzarri was in charge of Watford for their 2016/17 Premier League campaign where they finished 17th, narrowly avoiding the drop before the Italian coach was dismissed.
He has also managed Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan.
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