Mancini takes over as Inter coach

Roberto Mancini has taken over as coach of Internazionale, joining the Serie A side on a three-year deal after resolving a dispute with Lazio.

The 39-year-old succeeds Alberto Zaccheroni, who resigned last month after only eight months in charge.

“FC Internazionale communicates that it has sealed the signing of Roberto Mancini. The coach has put pen to paper on a contract which ties him to the club until 30 June 2007,” Inter said on its website.

His appointment ends months of speculation in the Italian media, which even before the end of last season reported Inter owner Massimo Moratti had decided to replace Zaccheroni with Mancini.

Lazio’s decision on Tuesday to release Mancini, however, opened the way for him to take up the Inter post.

Mancini, considered one of the brightest young coaches in Serie A is the 11th man to take charge at Inter since Moratti became its owner.