Inter part ways with Claudio Ranieri

Inter have announced via their official website that they have parted company with coach Claudio Ranieri.

The 60-year-old boss had been under intense pressure after a series of negative results left the club languishing in eighth place in the Serie A table, 10 points shy of the Champions League qualification places.

Earlier on Monday, president Massimo Moratti gave Ranieri a vote of confidence, but the Italian coach fell victim to Sunday's 2-0 Derby d'Italia defeat to Juventus, which was Inter's eighth loss since the start of the calendar year. He will be replaced by youth team boss Andrea Stramaccioni, who recently led the Primavera side to the NextGen Series title by overcoming Ajax in the final on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

"President Moratti and all of Inter would like to thank Claudio Ranieri and his staff for the professionalism and the commitment shown in these months," read a statement from the club.

"Inter would also like to announce that it has entrusted the team to Primavera coach Andrea Stramaccioni, who won the first edition of the Next Generation Series."

Ranieri arrived at San Siro in September following the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini and oversaw the team's recovery in form as the Nerazzurri moved from 17th place to the European qualification zone.

After a run of positive results, a nine-game winless streak raised doubts over Ranieri's future as Inter risk not competing in Europe next season, while they are already out of the Champions League after losing to Olympique de Marseille.

It is still not certain if Stramaccioni will guide Inter to the end of the season or if he will be entrusted with building a new team for the next season. Reports from Italy have been pointing to former Chelsea trainer Andre Villas-Boas to take the helm next season.

Napoli's Walter Mazzarri and Udinese's Francesco Guidolin have also been linked with Inter's hot seat in recent weeks, but both coaches have distanced themselves from the reports.