Sampdoria coach Delio Rossi refuses to apologise for sparking the weekend brawl against AS Roma.

Rossi was photographed showing the middle finger gesture to Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso, who was on the opposite bench.

"I will not accept being insulted without reason," Rossi told Il Messaggero.

"I was giving tactical indications to my players when Burdisso insulted me from a distance. How can a professional behave like this with a Coach? I cannot stay calm when I am insulted. Looking back, I can say I went too far, but I did not have the strength to hold myself back.

"I respect everyone and I want to be respected. Why should I apologise? Burdisso can't give me lessons on how to behave. Someone who elbows and spits at players should just shut up.

"Those who set the example are Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero and Andrea Pirlo, certainly not him."