Pasquale Marino replaces Alberto Malesani to coach Genoa

 Pasquale Marino replaced Alberto Malesani as Genoa coach, the Serie A side confirmed on its website.

The replacement came after a series of poor results for the club with a latest 1-6 defeat in Naples late Wednesday, which was their last game before the start of a two-week winter break.

"Being at a big club like Genoa is the greatest gift I could imagine for Christmas," Marino was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "It all happened very quickly. I was contacted (Thursday) morning.

"I want to thank the president (Enrico Preziosi) and the club for the trust they placed on me, which I mean to pay back on the pitch. I cannot wait to start working."

Marino, 49, held his last coaching job at Parma, who dismissed him mid-season in April. His contract with Genoa will reportedly last until June 2013.

Genoa are placed in tenth position in Serie A with 21 points from 16 games. They trail leaders AC Milan by 13 points.