Rome  - Struggling Bologna and Livorno are trying their luck with new coaches after being stranded in the lower reaches of the Italian Serie A.

Winless bottom side Livorno hired Serse Cosmi, 51, who on Wednesday took the place of the 42-year-old Gennaro Ruotolo.

Cosmi was without a job after being fired last year from Serie B side Brescia. He steered Perugia and Udinese in the top flight.

Bologna called Franco Colomba, 54, to replace Giuseppe Papadopulo, 61, and look to improve their third-from last position on six points from eight games.

Colomba played as midfielder with Bologna until the early 1980s. His coaching career began in 1990 and includes experiences in the Serie A with Reggina, Livorno and Cagliari.(dpa)