Video: Fiorentina Coach Sacked After Punching Player

Fiorentina has sacked coach Delio Rossi after he physically attacked midfielder Adem Ljajic during Wednesday night�s 2-2 draw with Novara. The attack came after the player�s dissent at being substituted just 32 minutes into the match. Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle told Sky Sports in Italy, in quotes reported on the club�s official website: �At the end of the match I saw pictures of what happened on the bench when Ljajic was substituted. �I made the decision to sack the coach for an act that was very serious. �Tomorrow morning we�ll talk calmly. �I�m sorry for the coach who is a good person and does not deserve it, but tonight he committed a serious act.� With his side losing 2-0 at home to the team second bottom in the league after just half an hour, Rossi decided to act and hauled off Serbian Ljajic to bring on Ruben Olivera. As he went back to sit in the dug-out, Ljajic sarcastically applauded his coach�s decision. Rossi, 51, took exception to the player�s reaction and leapt into the dug-out and seemed to punch Ljajic, 20, in the face. The scene continued for several seconds with Rossi seemingly trying to attack his player as Fiorentina officials tried to separate the pair. A couple of substitutes also tried to calm the situation, pulling Ljajic away from his irate coach. The referee did not see the incident and neither coach nor player was punished. But Fiorentina�s fans showed exactly whose side they were on by jeering the young Serb with some shouting: �You�re a gypsy�. Rossi, on the other hand, was cheered and clapped. Watch video of the incident below