Ranieri set for Inter post

22 September 2011 10:35

Claudio Ranieri is expected to be confirmed as the new coach of Inter Milan and has already vowed to "wake up the team".

The former Valencia, Chelsea and Roma boss is set to sign a two-year contract with the Nerazzurri to replace Gian Piero Gasperini, who was sacked on Wednesday after less than three months in charge.

Ranieri told Domenica Sportiva: "Inter are a great team. They have had a bad start to the season and I will have to talk to the team to understand why that was."

He added: "I will have to bring enthusiasm and a change of gear in order to wake up the team.

"I cannot promise that we will win this or that but I believe this team has a lot to give and we must prove it."

Tuesday's shocking 3-1 defeat at newly-promoted Novara - Inter's fourth defeat in five games - proved to be Gasperini's final act in charge with president Massimo Moratti opting to wield the axe.

But Ranieri praised Gasperini's efforts despite his short tenure at the club.

"Gasperini wanted to bring his ideas and make them work at all costs but he didn't manage to do it," the 59-year-old said. "I will try to make this team play as it knows how, with all of its strength.

"Gasperini didn't make a mistake and we have to say well done because he tried everything to make his ideas work."

Ranieri's first game in charge will be at Bologna on Saturday. Inter travel next week to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Source: PA