Mancini returns for second spell as Inter managerMazzarri sacked after 17 months in charge at San Siro

The former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell in charge of Internazionale, following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri, the club have confirmed.

Mancini spent five years in charge of Inter between 2004 and 2008, guiding them to three consecutive Serie A titles as well as two Coppa Italias but ultimately paid the price for relative failure in the Champions League, making way for José Mourinho.

Mazzarri’s dismissal comes after 17 months in charge at San Siro with the Inter president, Erick Thohir, taking action after a downturn in results. The team made a slow start to the season winning just four of their first 11 Serie A games, and are currently ninth, 12 points behind leaders Juventus.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest James Horncastle discusses Roberto Mancini’s return to Inter following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri.

“Today I made the difficult decision to dismiss Walter Mazzarri as head coach. It was a decision that I reached in conjunction with my management team,” said Thohir.

“It was a difficult decision because he has been continuously supportive of the direction that we have wanted to take the club, and he has worked tirelessly and selflessly for Inter, with both belief and passion.

“I would like to thank him sincerely for his efforts. However, our goal is to regain our rightful position as one of the very top clubs in Europe and that’s why I am so happy to welcome back Roberto Mancini.

“His track record both at Inter and elsewhere speaks for itself, and his experience and hunger for success will drive the team to the next level.”

Following his departure from San Siro in 2008, Mancini was appointed Mark Hughes’ successor at Manchester City in December 2009, guiding the club to their first ever Premier League title in 2012 before he was sacked in May 2013. He spent last season in charge of Galatasaray but left the club in June.

Inter said Mancini would be presented to the media at a press conference on Saturday afternoon at the club’s Appiano Gentile training ground.