 On 6 September 2016, De Zerbi was named new head coach of Serie A club Palermo following Davide Ballardini's departure by mutual consent due to disagreements with the board.His stint at the helm of the Sicilians however turned out to be negative, with seven consecutive defeats and no single points at home in three months.After a shocking penalty shootout elimination in a home match against Serie B club Spezia, he was then ultimately sacked on 30 November 2016 and replaced with former team captain Eugenio Corini.