Vladimir Petkovic has been sacked as coach of Lazio and replaced by his predecessor Edoardo Reja, the club confirmed yesterday.

Petkovic, who signed a deal just before Christmas to take charge of the Swiss national side from next season, contested the decision via his lawyer who described it as “unfair and illegitimate.”

Reja, 68, had taken charge of training sessions last week even though Petkovic had said that he had been told nothing in writing by Lazio.

Even though Petkovic will not begin his new role until after his contract with Lazio has expired in June, club president Claudio Lotito was still reported by Italian media to be angry over the move.

“Lazio communicates that it has terminated the employment contract with Vladimir Petkovic for just cause following the conclusion of a disciplinary procedure and (after hearing the) justification of the interested parties,” the club said in a statement.

Petkovic’s lawyer Paco D’Onofrio said Lazio had failed to state which rule Petkovic had supposedly violated.