Delio Rossi has slammed the decision to allow sports director Walter Sabatini leave Lazio.

"I am very disappointed, as I had an excellent rapport with him," noted Rossi. "At first there was an argument, but from then on we were on the same track."

Sabatini explained the Biancocelesti's dismal campaign and poor transfer buys were "all my fault," but Rossi moved to shift the blame on to the shoulders of president Claudio Lotito.

"Sabatini had too much responsibility, far more than he should have done. You must interpret the value of a director by his part in a long-term project, not on the basis of one result like a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat."