Fourth division Castel di Sangro, the club made briefly famous in a book by American author Joe McGinnis,have sacked coach Roberto Alberti.
The official letter informing Alberti of his departure was delivered to him by police during training. The players then walked out in sympathy.
Elsewhere, Players of third division Catanzaro went on strike yesterday in protest at the club’s inability to pay any of their wages which are now four months overdue.
A spokesman said: “We wanted to do something to bring the seriousness of the situation at the club to the public’s awareness.”
By Keir Radnedge