Genoa, in 17th and one point above the relegation zone, announced the decision on their website on Monday, with Luigi De Canio expected to fill the void for the remainder of the season.

Malesani, who took over at Genoa in June last year, was first fired in December after a 6-1 drubbing by Napoli.

The 57-year-old was then re-hired in April after his successor Pasquale Marino was given his marching orders.

However Malesani lasted less than three weeks in his second stint at the helm after protests marred Genoa's 4-1 home loss to Siena on Sunday.

With their side trailing 4-0, Genoa fans threw flares on the pitch early into the second half, delaying the game for around 45 minutes.

Malesani is the 18th Serie A manager to be dismissed this season. The previous record of 15 was set in 1951/52.

De Canio, who had stints in charge of Udinese, Siena, Queens Park Rangers and Lecce, briefly managed Genoa in Serie B in 2004.

Genoa, who are without a win in their last 12 matches, face second-placed AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.