Rossi sacked after hitting own player

ROME - Agence France-Presse

Fiorentina is just six points ahead of the relegation zone in the Italian league. AFP photo

Vincenzo Guerini has been appointed as the new coach of Fiorentina following Delio Rossi’s sacking for attacking one of his players, Italian media reported yesterday.

Guerini was already team manager but has been promoted to the coaching role for the final two games of the season.

Rossi was fired after attacking and punching 20-year-old Serbian midfielder Adem Ljajic during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Novara.

Ljajic had reacted sarcastically towards his coach after being hauled off just a half an hour into the game with La Viola already 2-0 down.

Rossi lept into the dug-out and repeatedly tried to punch the player before being dragged away by team officials.

“The decision to sack him is a must due to the values this club has followed over the last few years,” said club owner Andrea Della Valle.

“It’s a decision I would have never wanted to take but there is no justification for Delio Rossi’s actions.

“The sacking is for his own good, he’s stressed.” The 58-year-old Guerini has extensive coaching experience having previously taking charge of 14 different teams, although mostly outside the top flight.

He has not coached since 2006 with Catanzaro in the third division.

Rossi was the 19th Serie A coach this season to lose his job as La Viola became the seventh club to have dismissed at least two bosses.

Cagliari and Genoa still lead the way having dumped three coaches during the current campaign while Inter Milan, Palermo and already-relegated pair Cesena and Novara have sacked two each.