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Inter Milan fans turned their back on their team on Sunday, walking out during the first half of their defeat to Sassuolo 'to go to lunch'.

Inter suffered a fourth defeat in a row, days after sacking coach Stefano Pioli. The Nerazzurri have failed to win any of their last eight Serie A games - taking just two points in that run - and are four points adrift of a Europa League spot with two games to go.

Pietro Iemmello scored both goals for Sassuolo at San Siro, on a day when banners of protest met the Inter players and the club's board.

One from the Curva Nord read: "2016-17 season, let's be merciful and throw a veil over it."

But it was after around 25 minutes, and with the score still goalless, when the club's supporters made their feelings felt.

Thousands of fans walked out, leaving behind the banner: "You don't deserve our support, we came to say hello, now we're off to have lunch."

Another banner, in support of the sacked Pioli, read: "Thank you Mister Pioli, the only Interista 'actor' in the middle of a team of unworthy players and a club of cameo roles."

(Image: Twitter/@footynews129) (Image: ANSA) (Image: ANSA)

Iemmello opened the scoring in the 36th minute, before netting five minutes after the break.

Italy striker Eder pulled one back with 20 minutes to go, but Sassuolo hung on to further compound what has been a miserable season for Inter.

(Image: ANSA) (Image: ANSA)

The club's owners are under increasing pressure from a fan base who have seen them fall well off the pace set by Juventus in recent seasons.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte continues to be linked with the vacant manager's job at San Siro.

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.”