Fiorentina have sacked coach Delio Rossi after he punched his own player Adem Ljajic during yesterday’s Serie A clash against Novara after taking exception to the midfielder’s sarcasm.

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 punched Ljajic, 20, in the face.

The scene continued for several seconds with Rossi 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 were punished.