Inter turn to Gasperini

Inter Milan’s search for a new manager has ended after the club announced on Friday it will appoint Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Serie A club had embarked on a largely frustrating campaign to replace departed manager Leonardo, whose move to become Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director after just six months at the helm of Inter was made official on Thursday.

Inter had been reportedly rebuffed in approaches to new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, Turkey manager Guus Hiddink and England coach Fabio Capello before opting for Gasperini.

Gasperini had been out of work since his dismissal from league rivals Genoa in November, where he had been since 2006.

“Gian Piero Gasperini is the new Inter coach. The official announcement will arrive once all the bureaucratic formalities are completed,” a statement on Inter’s website read on Friday.

“Once this happens, the date of his unveiling to the press will be revealed. Gasperini, 53, will sign a two-year contract and he will work alongside the club’s staff, and with two new assistants, Bruno Caneo, and athletic coach Luca Trucchi.”

Gasperini – a former midfielder who spent notable stints at Palermo and Pescara – will become the fourth coach at Inter in a little more than a year.