Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has launched an amazing attack on his coach Delio Rossi.

Zamparini was furious after their thrashing by Roma on Saturday night.

"I shall start off by saying it was an insult to football that Pastore was not in the starting XI," blasted Zamparini.

"I consider that a lack of courage from my Coach. I told him he'd have to take responsibility for this decision.

"From now on I want to see Pastore and Hernandez always on the pitch, as they will be the key figures for next season's team."

The result means Sampdoria have leapfrogged Palermo in the standings and either Juventus or Genoa could do the same.

"Palermo lost because they were arrogant," continued President Zamparini in his radio interview.

"Now enough talk about Champions League qualification. I only saw Roma on that pitch, it's absurd the way we conceded those goals.

"Cesare Bovo was unjustifiable, his mistakes made him look like a circus clown. It rings alarm bells about the defence, as we have conceded eight goals in our last two away games."