Fiorentina have sacked coach Delio Rossi after he attacked player Adem Ljajic during the club's 2-2 draw with Novara on Wednesday.
Rossi substituted the 20-year-old Serbian after just 36 minutes with Fiorentina trailing 2-0 and he sarcastically applauded before insulting the coach.
Rossi was furious with the response and grabbed the youngster by the neck before punching him in the head as the pair fell into the dugout.
"Unfortunately, it was a serious incident and it's all the more amazing considering he is such a calm person, but we had to fire the coach," club owner Andrea Della Valle said.
"In recent years this club has done great things with certain values and unfortunately we had to take this decision to sack the tactician. Tomorrow morning we will take more decisions and there will be time to find a replacement.
"We talked and he gave his explanation. He is ready to apologise, as he is such a good man, as proved throughout his career, but I had to make this decision.
"We are sorry for Rossi, as he does not deserve to be seen all over the world acting this way, but it was a serious incident and we had to fire him.
"There has been so much stress that accumulated over the last few months, although there can be no justification. When he sees the footage too, he will realise exactly what happened.
"There will also be punishment for the player, as he provoked the coach, even if there should not have been such a reaction."
Fiorentina are 15th on the Serie A table, six points above the relegation zone with two matches to play.