Viola fire Rossi after assault

FIORENTINA sacked coach Delio Rossi after he physically attacked midfielder Adem Ljajic during last night's 2-2 draw with Novara. The attack came after the player's apparent dissent at being substituted 32 minutes into the match.

Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle confirmed Ljajic would also face action for his part in the incident.

The dramatic events unfolded as the Viola fought to confirm their Serie A status. The point was enough to put them six points clear of the drop zone with two games remaining.

Television pictures clearly show the coach attacking Ljajic as he took his place on the bench.

The player appeared to sarcastically clap his coach's decision to substitute him, and Rossi responded by throwing punches as others on the bench attempted to restrain him.