Stefano Colantuono has defended his record as Palermo coach.

Colantuono was dismissed by Palermo's fiery president Maurizio Zamparini on Monday and said: "The workings of a team that begins a new season with a new coach are always up-and-down. I agree with Zamparini that in some games Palermo lost because of my fault rather than the merit of the opponents, but this is normal, the growth cycle of a new team.

"I do not want to speak of my dismissal so as not to throw gasoline on the fire, I can only say that I am a peaceful person, because I have done what the president asked me: ie lead Palermo into the UEFA Cup places.

"Zamparini considers his team a team that should stay between seventh and tenth place."