Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi has been sacked for physically attacking his own player in a spat over a substitution.
Ex-Manchester United triallist Adem Ljajic sarcastically applauded Rossi's decision to replace him in Wednesday's Serie A match against Novara.
Rossi reacted by clambering into the dug-out and appeared to aim a punch at the Serbian forward.
Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle dismissed Rossi immediately after the match, with no successor yet announced.
Rossi appeared to punch Ljajic in retaliation for his taunt
"I had to make this decision. No provocation justifies the reaction," said Della Vale.
"I'm sorry for the coach who is a good person and does not deserve it, but tonight he committed a serious act.
"In a few seconds months of stress came out. I am sorry because the coach has never committed acts of this kind."
On Rossi's replacement, Della Vale added: "For respect of the person with whom I believed in to reconstruct Fiorentina I will say nothing official [until Friday]," he added.
"Then you will know who will be given the reins of the team.
"We will also take proportionate measures against Ljajic."
The incident came shortly around the half-hour mark after Fiorentina had slipped 2-0 down against the visitors, who are second bottom of Serie A.
The dramatic dismissal marks the end of Rossi's six-month reign at Fiorentina.
He replaced the fired Sinisa Mihajlovic in November but has struggled to turn the Viola's season around.
The Tuscan club, who scored two second-half goals to draw the game, are 15th, six points above the drop zone, with two matches remaining.
Manchester United had an agreement to sign Ljajic, now 20, from Partizan Belgrade, but opted not to exercise the option in December 2009 citing expected difficulties securing a work permit.
Rossi's departure is the 19th coaching change in the Italian top-flight this season, beating the previous record of 15 changes in 1951-52.
