RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz has been sacked by Vasco da Gama after an unconvincing start to the season, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Sunday.

The announcement followed Vasco's 1-0 loss to Fluminense in the first leg of their Carioca Championship semifinal.

"I am here to inform you of the dismissal of Fernando Diniz," club president Pedro de Oliveira told reporters. "I want to thank him for all the respect he showed me and the club. At a very difficult moment for the club, he accepted the invitation and took on the challenge and Vasco's project, always working with great commitment and dedication."

Diniz guided Vasco to 17 wins, 16 draws and 23 losses after taking charge of the Rio de Janeiro club for a second time in March 2025. He also held the position for a five-month period in 2021.

The 51-year-old will be replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Bruno Lazaroni, De Oliveira said.

Vasco is currently 17th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings. ■