Struggling Malaga have appointed sports director Manuel Hierro as coach to replace Antonio Tapia.

Tapia was sacked yesterday after a run of nine games without a win left the side at the foot of the table.

Hierro, brother of the former Spain and Real Madrid captain Fernando, said: "I am taking on this challenge with the immediate objective being to reverse the club's current run of form.

"I have complete confidence in the team and am convinced that we will survive in the Primera Liga for next season.

Hierro is a former Malaga player. Tapia, who was promoted from reserve team coach to replace Gregorio Manzano 12 months ago, is one of four top-flight coaches who have been sacked in the last two months.

Real Sociedad's Jose Maria Amorrortu was also sacked yesterday, Atletico Madrid's Carlos Bianchi was fired earlier in the month, and in December Real Madrid's Vanderlei Luxemburgo lost his job.

o Sampdoria have signed defender Mark Iuliano yesterday. The former Italy international was released from his contract by Real Mallorca earlier yesterday after requesting a return to his homeland for family reasons. His first match is expected to be against Treviso on Sunday. The 32-year-old joined Mallorca from Juventus last year, with four Serie A winners medals under his belt.

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