In January 2006, he was appointed at the helm of Serie B team Bologna, but was fired two months later. In December 2006, he joined Padova of Serie C1, leading them from the relegation zone to the battle for a spot in the promotion playoffs, then narrowly missed. In June 2007 he was announced as Siena boss in the 2007–08 Serie A, only to be sacked on 12 November after a poor start to the season.