Football News : Claudio Ranieri replaces Gasperini at Inter

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Claudio Ranieri has been formally appointed as Inter Milan's new manager on a two-year contract following the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini.

GettyImagesClaudio Ranieri has been appointed as Inter Milan's new manager

• Manager Profile: Claudio Ranieri


• Gasperini sacked by Inter Milan

• Inter suffer humiliation at Novara

Ranieri, who has also managed Roma, Juventus, Valencia and Chelsea in the past, has been drafted in as the Italian giants seek a set of safe hands with which to stablise their disastrous start to the season.

A statement on the official Inter site on Thursday morning read: "Claudio Ranieri is officially the new coach of Inter. The coach signed a contract binding him to the club until June 30, 2013.

''All of Inter has the pleasure of welcoming Claudio Ranieri and his staff. Ranieri will guide today's training session and will be unveiled tomorrow to the press.''

'The Tinkerman', as is he affectionately known, has been out of work since quitting Roma in Febuary and is the fourth man to take over at Inter following the exit of Jose Mourinho, with Rafael Benitez, Leonardo and Gasperini all failing to stop the side's decline.

"I think I will need to talk a lot with the squad, the mental aspect is v ery important," Ranieri told RAI Sport. ''Inter are a great team. We have to pick up the pace after this false start. The players are there and we have everything to lift the team.

"Gasperini had every right to try to execute his ideas, he tried to make his system work with all his strength, but without success. I do not think he can be criticised, he tried to implement his ideas until the end. For me, every system can bring victories, if Inter have always played in a specific way, there must be a reason."

On his goals for the remainder of the campaign, Ranieri added:
"I do not like to promise things. I want the best from these players, who have so much to give."

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti told the club's official website: "He is the best choice. I think he has the common sense needed to revitalise the team, both as individuals and as a unit.

"There is sorrow with regard to Gasperini, he was unlucky in his efforts. Now I am happy with this choice because I think Ranieri has the necessary qualities to do well. He has above all great experience, which at this moment is what we need."