 On 4 September 2008 Palermo announced to have dismissed head coach Stefano Colantuono, appointing Ballardini as new "rosanero" boss in a one-year contract.In his debut match with Palermo, Ballardini led the Sicilians to a very impressive 3–1 home win to A.S. Roma, and then went on to impose the first seasonal loss to Juventus, winning 2–1 in Turin, this being the first time Palermo won at Juventus' home in 47 years.His ability to recover Palermo, leading them to the top league positions, was quickly praised once again by the media.