Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi sacked for attacking player

Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi has been sacked for physically attacking his own player in a spat over a substitution. 

Ex-Manchester United triallist Adem Ljajic sarcastically applauded Rossi's decision to replace him in Wednesday's Serie A match against Novara. 

Rossi reacted by clambering into the dug-out and appeared to aim a punch at the Serbian forward.

Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle dismissed Rossi immediately after the match, with no successor yet announced.

"I had to make this decision. No provocation justifies the reaction," said Della Vale.

"I'm sorry for the coach who is a good person and does not deserve it, but tonight he committed a serious act. "The incident came shortly around the half-hour mark after Fiorentina has slipped 2-0 down against the visitors, who are are second bottom of Serie A.

The dramatic dismissal marks the end of Rossi's six-month reign at the Tuscan club.

He replaced the fired Sinisa Mihajlovic in November but has struggled to turn the Viola's season around.
Fiorentina are 15th with two matches remaining.

Manchester United had an agreement to sign Ljajic, now 20, from Partizan Belgrade, but opted not to exercise the option in December 2009 citing expected difficulties securing a work permit.

Rossi departure is the 19th coaching change in the Italian top-flight this season, beating the previous record of 15 changes in 1951-52.

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