GETTY Inter Milan fans left their seats at the San Siro in protest of Pioli's sacking

Inter Milan axed Pioli this week and Express Sport understands they want to appoint Chelsea boss Conte. Conte has been offered a new deal at Chelsea after leading the Blues to the Premier League title in his first year in charge. Inter’s offer, who supposedly comes with a £127million transfer kitty, could tempt the Italian. Inter have cash to spend after Chinese company Suning Holdings Group took over the club last year.

Chelsea players soak Antonio Conte with champagne after title win Fri, May 12, 2017 Chelsea players soaked manager Antonio Conte with champagne after he led them to their fifth Premier League title Play slideshow 1 of 8

I don’t know how we could convince Conte, or anyone, really Piero Ausilio

But director Piero Ausilio concedes the club are struggling to attract a top coach to replace Pioli. “I don’t know how we could convince Conte, or anyone, really,” he said. “We know there are great coaches out there and most of them are under contract. “We have some ideas, which I will not reveal, but the disadvantage of our place in the table is actually an advantage, because it gives us time to build and get our situation together.”

GETTY Inter Milan's supporters do not blame Pioli for their poor season

GETTY Inter Milan went a goal down to Sassuolo at the San Siro

GETTY Inter sacked Stefano Pioli this week

Inter sit eighth in Serie A and will not play European football next season. Pioli was drafted in to steady the ship after Frank de Boer was sacked last November after less than six months in charge. And fans today staged a protest in the San Siro during Inter’s 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo. Midway through the first half and ‘ultras’ on Inter’s north stand left their seats in protest over Pioli’s sacking. One banner read: 'Thank you Mister Pioli, the only Interista 'actor' in the middle of a team of unworthy players and a club of cameo roles.'

GETTY Chelsea are determined to keep Antonio Conte away from Inter Milan