Pioli sacked after guiding Inter to seven games winless run

Inter have parted company with head coach Stefano Pioli amid what the club described as “a difficult season”.

The Nerazzurri are three points adrift of a European spot, battling city rivals AC Milan and Fiorentina for the final Europa League spot in Serie A.

Pioli was Inter’s third coach in a turbulent season after Frank de Boer replaced Roberto Mancini on the eve of the campaign before he was sacked in November.

Former Lazio coach Pioli initially led an improvement in fortunes, winning 10 of his first 13 games in charge.

However, a winless run of seven games has cost Pioli his job.

A club statement read: “Inter thanks Stefano and his team for the dedication and hard work carried out at the club over the last six months in what has proven a difficult season.

“Primavera coach Stefano Vecchi will take charge of the first team immediately and for the remaining three matches of this season. The club will begin planning now for next season.”

Former Inter midfielder Diego Simeone has long been linked with the San Siro hot seat. His deal at Atletico Madrid expires at the end of next season.