Beaten Rossi likely to leave

The 3-1 Coppa Italia loss to Inter Milan was likely to be Palermo coach Delio Rossi’s last match in charge.

An emotional Rossi could not hold back the tears at the final whistle on Sunday.

“I wanted to give the Palermo fans something more. We’ll decide my future next week,” he said.

Rossi’s contract expires next month and, considering he was already fired and re-hired this season, he is expected to move on.

“I have to talk to the club and then we will evaluate together what is best for me, for the President and Palermo,” he said.

“On Tuesday, or sometime next week, I will meet President Maurizio Zamparini to talk about my future.”

Up to 50,000 Palermo fans travelled to Rome for their first Coppa Italia Final since the 1970s.

“These people deserve so much more. They always stood by us and supported the team, through thick and thin,” said Rossi, who shed tears during the trophy ceremony.

“Why did I cry? I wanted to give the Palermo fans something more, maybe something bigger than us.”

“A great performance was not enough, as the more experienced team won.”

The Sicilians dominated for large periods, but their finishing let them down, while Samuel Eto’o was clinical with his brace.

Reaching the final, win or lose, has allowed Palermo to qualify for next season’s Europa League.