Viola coach attacks player

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi punched his own player Adem Ljajic during their Serie A match with Novara on Wednesday.

Rossi in punch-up with Ljajic

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi punched his own player Adem Ljajic during their Serie A match with Novara on Wednesday. With the match at 2-0 to the visitors, Rossi 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 and Rossi took exception to the midfielder's sarcasm. Rossi 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. The match ended 2-2.