Sacked Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has been linked with Sicilian outfit Palermo.

Palermo club President Maurizio Zamparini has already admitted that he was interested in acquiring the services of the former Chelsea and Juventus boss, and reports in the Italian media are claiming that Zamparini will sack current coach Davide Ballardini for ‘compromising' his position at the club. Ranieri appears to be at the top of the list of potential replacements.

Current Siena coach Marco Giampaolo has also been linked with the Rosanero job after keeping his team in the top flight.

"Next week I will meet with director of sport Sabatini to see where we are, but first of all we must wait for Ballardini to free himself," said Zamparini.

Earlier this week, Ballardini was reported to have complained that his role and autonomy were not respected by the management at Palermo, a view that Zamparini did not take kindly to.

"He is an excellent coach, but the situation has been compromised. I like  Giampaolo and am intrigued that Ranieri is now a free agent."

Ranieri, who last month became the first Juve coach since the 1960s to be sacked mid-season, has plenty of experience at football's top level with Valencia, Chelsea and Juventus. He would be an interesting and ambitious choice should Zamparini finally decide to appoint him.

As for Ballardini's future, the Italian press has claimed that he is en route to Rome as successor to Lazio coach Delio Rossi. Previous reports have also linked Ballardini with Atalanta.

However, the Palermo coach has denied the speculation and made it clear that he has not decided where his future lies.

"I have taken a week out before meeting with Zamparini again," explained Ballardini on lalaziosiamonoi.it.

"I have not yet closed the door on Palermo, we need to confront each other on some issues. Right now I'm at Erice on holiday and I don't even know what they write in Rome."