Palermo boss Delio Rossi admits he was sorry to see sports director Walter Sabatini resign last week.

The Rosanero are yet to appoint a replacement.

"He is a person I respect both as a professional and a man, so I cannot split the two elements," said Rossi.

"I am particularly close to him and it is enormously disappointing to see him go, especially as I'm not entirely clear what caused it. I only know there was a discussion that led to the divorce."