The agent of sacked Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo has hit out at Viola fans.

His position has become increasingly difficult, as fans hurled insults at the midfielder during training and he was stripped of the captain's armband.

"I do not understand the bitterness of the fans," insisted his agent, Giovanni Branchini. "If Riccardo were to stay here for another season, he would always guarantee the utmost effort.

"It wouldn't be a problem for him to remain with the Viola for a year."