Former Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi has lashed out at their players.

Rossi lasted just six months at the Artemio Franchi last season before he was sacked by President Mario Cognini, after throwing a punch at young midfielder Adem Ljajic.

"It was an intense and difficult six months in Florence," Rossi informed Corriere dello Sport. "But I am indebted to the Fiorentina fans.

"Behaviour amongst certain members of the squad was childish. And when a Coach uses the carrot and stick approach, he must have a certain authority. It was not a bad group, but some people did not understand what it means to play for Fiorentina.

"I believed, and still do believe, that Florence was the ideal place for me. Now what Fiorentina are doing is right - a total revolution. It is what we had agreed to do.

"Will I go back to Fiorentina? If it was up to me, I would still be there. I believe that can happen one day, partly because I left the team with such good memories."