The President became very unpopular with fans when he decided not to renew Ballardini’s contract despite the tactician taking them to an incredible fight back from the depths of the relegation zone last season.

Instead he opted to give the reins to Serie A debutant Massimiliano Allegri, who has now recovered after a disastrous start.

“They have similarities,” assured Cellino. “Neither is particularly interested in blocking a game tactically, preferring to get the teams playing well and they believe in entertaining football.

“The difference is in their approach. Allegri had played in Serie A for a long time and therefore instantly understands the problems that players are going through.

“Let’s say Ballardini is more ‘pure’, honest and straight-talking.”

The Cagliari President has often been asked why he let Ballardini go after such an incredible comeback.

“I honestly don’t have an answer to this question. I am convinced that Ballardini wouldn’t be able to tell you, either.

“It was a consensual separation and we had agreed to go our separate ways.”

Ballardini started the season unemployed, but was quickly snapped up by Palermo just one week into the new campaign, when he replaced Stefano Colantuono.

“Did President [Maurizio] Zamparini call me first for some advice? No, Maurizio doesn’t need to ask me anything.

“Zamparini is my idol and I consider him a positive personality, even though he says Palermo are expected to beat a ‘provincial’ side like us and I’d like to remind him Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, so on a par with Palermo.”