Lazio says it has fired Vladimir Petkovic and rehired Edy Reja as coach, although Petkovic is contesting the sacking.

The Roman club made the announcement on its website Saturday, saying that Petkovic's contract had been terminated for "just cause," after it was announced last month that the Bosnian had agreed to coach Switzerland's national team after this year's World Cup.

However, Petkovic hoped to stay on with Lazio until the end of the season and claims he is owed 600,000 euros (about $800,000). His lawyers say they will take the matter to court.

Petkovic guided Lazio to the Italian Cup title last season in his first year in charge.

The 68-year-old Reja first coached Lazio from 2010 to 2012.

Lazio is tied for ninth and plays Inter Milan on Monday.