Gian Piero Gasperini admits he didn't expect to lose his job in charge of Genoa after Sunday night's defeat away to Palermo.
The 52-year-old tactician was in his fifth season at Marassi, but his inability to deliver immediate results after a summer outlay of £30m ultimately proved his downfall.
Genoa currently lie 14th in Serie A and have lost three of their last four games.
"I didn't expect it," Gasperini said.
"I prefer not to say anything, at least for today, also because I am waiting for it to be made official.
"Naturally there is great bitterness," he concluded.
It appears Davide Ballardini has already been appointed as Gasperini's replacement.
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