Ventura officially leaves Chievo after just 4 matches in charge

Two days after tendering his resignation, Gian Piero Ventura parted ways with Chievo by mutual consent, the club announced Tuesday.

Following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Bologna - which won Chievo their third point of the season - Ventura reportedly told players he would no longer serve as manager.

He lasted just four games.

Sporting director Giancarlo Romairone had asked Ventura to take more time before making his decision, but the damage had already been done.

"In 22 seasons as a professional I thought I'd seen everything, but I have to admit that there's always something new," 39-year-old striker and longtime club captain Sergio Pellissier said on Instagram. "A tough summer with the capital gains problem, a start of the season to be forgotten, and to top it all, the resignation of a coach who, as soon as he got here, already wanted out."

Ventura's change of heart shocked Chievo, who finally had something to celebrate after a horrific start to the season. The draw against Bologna put Chievo back on zero points, erasing the three-point deduction authorities imposed for false accounting and financial fraud.

Ventura was at one point encouraged by Chievo's progress, telling reporters after the 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo on Nov. 4 that he was "satisfied" with his team's performance.

The Flying Donkeys took a 2-1 lead against Bologna on Sunday before succumbing to the visitors in the second half.

Ventura accepted the job in October in the hopes of salvaging his reputation. As coach of the Italian national team, he was heavily blamed for the country's failure to qualify for the World Cup. He was under contract with Chievo until June 30, 2020.