 On 7 October, just two days after the "rosanero" triumph in Turin, Palermo announced to have agreed a two-year contract extension with Ballardini.After weeks of rumours regarding a possible departure of Ballardini from Palermo at the end of the season, on 30 May the "rosanero" head coach announced he had agreed for a 10-day period to give a definite answer to the club regarding his intentions.Later that day, Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini announced Ballardini had asked to be relieved from his position due to his unwillingness to keep on serving as Palermo head coach.