Guerini is new Fiorentina boss - Team manager replaces 'stressed' Rossi after shocking attack
Posted Saturday, May 05, 2012 by skysports.com
Fighting Fiorentina
Vincenzo Guerini has been appointed as Fiorentina's new coach following the sacking of Delio Rossi for attacking one of his own players.
Guerini was already the club's team manager but will now lead the side for the final two games of the season.
Rossi was fired after attacking and punching Serbian midfielder Adem Ljajic during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Novara.
Ljajic had reacted sarcastically towards his coach after being hauled off during the first half of the game with Fiorentina two goals down.
Rossi reacted angrily, leaping into the dug-out and raining blows on the 20-year-old before being dragged away by team officials.
A statement from Fiorentina read: "Fiorentina announces that Vincenzo Guerini will guide the team in the final two games of the campaign.
"The club wishes to thank coach Delio Rossi and his staff for the work done in these months.
"Fiorentina also announces that it has opened a disciplinary case against the player, Adem Ljajic."
No choice
La Viola owner Andrea Della Valle believes the club had no choice but to remove Rossi with immediate effect.
"The decision to sack him is a must due to the values this club has followed over the last few years," said 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."
Guerini has extensive coaching experience in the lower leagues of Italian football, having previously taken charge of 14 different teams.
But the 58-year-old has not coached since 2006 with Catanzaro in the third division.
Incredibly, Rossi was the 19th Serie A coach this season to lose his job as Fiorentina became the seventh club to have dismissed at least two bosses.
Inter, Palermo and the relegated pair of Cesena and Novara have sacked two managers each. But Cagliari and Genoa still lead the way having dumped three coaches during the current campaign.
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