Serie A strugglers Cagliari on Monday reappointed Zdenek Zeman as coach following the sacking of Gianfranco Zola with the club looking to stave off relegation from Italy's top flight.

Zeman was himself sacked by Cagliari just before Christmas, but after less than three months on the sidelines the wily Czech coach is back at the helm with the job of saving the Sardinians from the drop.

"Cagliari would like to announce that first team coaching duties have been handed to Zdenek Zeman and his staff Vincenzo Cangelosi, Giacomo Modica and Roberto Ferola," said a team statement.

"We wish Zeman and his team all the best in achieving the objectives the club and the fans expect from them."

Zola took over from Zeman two days before Christmas, but despite a brief spell of hope the former Chelsea forward ultimately saw his side lose six of the 10 games under his leadership, for two wins and two draws.

Cagliari sit third from bottom, four points shy of Atalanta.

Born and bred on Sardinia, Zola is still considered one of the island's best footballing exports despite having only played for Cagliari after his seven-year spell with Premier League giants Chelsea.

A statement by Cagliari earlier Monday said the decision to sack Zola "was not an easy one given the greatness of a man who has written unforgettable pages in the history of Cagliari and who has represented Sardinia with prestige on the international stage.

"We would like to thank him and his staff for dedicating themselves to the job in a professional and passionate manner and wish them all the best for the future."