Ashley Cole has made a nightmare start to his first senior managerial role.The new Cesena boss saw his side lose 3-0 away at Mantova in Serie B on Tuesday night.Cole suffered a crushing defeat in his first match in charge of CesenaGettyIt is a defeat which has left a dent in the club’s hopes of securing a play-off spot this season.Cesena are aiming to win promotion to Serie A for the first time since reforming in 2018.Having been confirmed as manager on Sunday, Cole took charge of his new side for the first time as they travelled to face Mantova.However, they fell behind after just six minutes after an own goal from Giovanni Zaro.Andrea Meroni and Leonardo Mancuso both scored for the hosts in the second half to secure all three points.Mantova had started the evening down in 15th place before providing a promotion blow to Cesena.Cole’s costly lossThe result means Cole’s side could drop out of the play-off places Wednesday if Sudtirol win at Avellino.Clubs finishing fifth to eighth enter the play-off preliminary round, with the winners joining third and fourth in the semi-finals.Tuesday’s defeats has also ended Cesena’s slim hopes of automatic promotion this season.They now sit 24 points adrift of the top two with just seven matches remaining.Cesena could drop out of the Serie B play-off spots after losing 3-0 at MantovaGettyCole will be hoping to bounce back by winning his first home match against Catanzaro on Saturday.Cesena have not played in Serie A since 2015, having dissolved three years later before being replaced by their phoenix club.As for their manager, the job represents his first in senior management.The 45-year-old took on the role after serving as Lee Carsley’s assistant for the England under-21 side.Cole had previously joined Carsley’s coaching staff during his spell as interim boss for the senior Three Lions.The former left-back has also had spells as an assistant manager at Everton, Chelsea and Birmingham City during his coaching career.Cole was appointed Cesena boss until the end of the season on SundayGettyAs a player, Cole made 384 Premier League appearances for Chelsea and Arsenal.He also won 16 major trophies including the Champions League and three Premier League titles.