Lazio coach Davide Ballardini has been given his matching orders by the club authorities according to Spanish media reports.

Lazio find themselves mired in a relegation battle after 23 games in the Serie A. The Biancocelesti have won only two of their last 21 games and the club have finally lost patience with Ballardini, according to Dire news agency and Sky Sports Italia.

The coach was informed of the decision on Tuesday by sporting director Igli Tare with the approval of club president Claudio Lotito.

After being told of the sacking, Ballardini did not direct the team's training session at Formello. 

Meanwhile, Lazio's decision has led to clashes between the police and the club's supporters outside the training ground, with three people taken to hospital with injuries.

New coach Edy Reja is expected to take over at the team's training session on Wednesday morning.