Inter Milan's NextGen Series final victory over Ajax convinced president Massimo Moratti to go with coach Andrea Stramaccioni as Claudio Ranieri's replacement yesterday. Moratti was in Amsterdam for the final and was impressed by Stramaccioni's tactics and flexibility in out-thinking his Ajax counterpart.

The Inter president sacked Ranieri in the evening after deciding the young Primavera coach, just 36, was capable of taking the reins.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Moratti sees a lot of Jose Mourinho in Stramaccioni, who will lean on Beppe Baresi as his experienced assistant.

A deal beyond the end of this season cannot be ruled out for the rookie if he does well.