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FIORENTINA SACKED MANAGER Delio Rossi last night after he attacked one of his own players during a 2-2 Serie A draw against Novara.
Serbian midfielder Adem Ljajic sarcastically applauded Rossi and gave him a thumbs-up when he was substituted after just 32 minutes of the game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi with Fiorentina trailing 2-0.
In response Rossi, 51, reached into the dugout and appeared to grab the player before throwing punches as team officials and substitutes tried to keep them apart.
Viola president Andrea Della Valle dismissed Rossi immediately and promised to take “proportionate measures” against Ljajic in the coming days.
“I had to make this decision. No provocation justifies the reaction,” said Della Vale (BBC).
I’m sorry for the coach who is a good person and does not deserve it, but tonight he committed a serious act. In a few seconds months of stress came out. I am sorry because the coach has never committed acts of this kind.
The incident brings an end to Rossi’s short spell in charge at Fiorentina. The former Lazio and Palermo boss was appointed in November 2011 to replace Sinisa Mihajlovic, who was sacked following a string of poor results.
The club are expected to announce a new manager tomorrow.
