ROME, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Italian Serie A sides Cagliari said on Wednesday that they have named club favorite Gianfranco Zola as their new coach.

The 48-year-old Zola replaces Zdemak Zemen who was sacked on Monday after a series of poor results. Cagliari were just above the relegation zone with only one win in 12 games since September.

Zola will take over on Sunday when the players resume training after the Christmas lay-off.