The Guardian Series understands Leyton Orient manager Mauro Milanese has been sacked after just six weeks in charge and will be replaced by Fabio Liverani.

The O's lost 1-0 at Gillingham in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-final on Saturday - Milanese's fifth defeat in eight since matches succeeding caretaker boss Kevin Nugent on October 26.

When the Guardian Series contacted Milanese earlier he said he was in a meeting until later this afternoon.

Chief executive Alessandro Angelieri was also in a meeting when contacted, and when asked if Milanese was still manager, he refused to confirm or deny his position.

It is understood former Genoa boss Liverani will replaced Milanese, becoming Orient's fourth manager of the season following the departures of Russell Slade and Nugent.

Liverani was sacked by the Italian club after just seven matches in charge between June and September 2013 after winning just one match at the helm.

The 38-year-old former Lazio, Fiorentina and Palermo midfielder will bring with him a new assistant manager, goalkeeping coach and fitness coach; though it is understood Kevin Nugent and Lee Southernwood - who currently occupy those roles - will not necessarily lose their jobs.

The O's were 18th when Milanese replaced Nugent, who has since returned to his role as assistant, but have slipped a place to 19th in League One and are now outside the relegation zone on goal difference only.

Milanese, who was initially appointed as sporting director following Francesco Becchetti's takeover of the club, has won just two of his eight matches in charge - picking up his first league victory against Crewe Alexandra a fortnight ago.