Inter confirm Benitez dismissal

Inter Milan have confirmed coach Rafael Benitez has been dismissed.

Benitez had been under heavy pressure after the side slumped to seventh in Serie A and, although the Club World Cup success this month appeared to have handed him a reprieve, he issued an ultimatum to president Massimo Moratti in the aftermath demanding backing in the transfer market.

Benitez, who left Liverpool in the summer after a disappointing season in the Premier League and Champions League, was handed the task of succeeding Jose Mourinho after their Treble-winning season.

His reign began badly, losing the European Super Cup to Atletico Madrid, and the side were never able to replicate the form of the previous season. Inter finished second, behind Tottenham, in their Champions League group, leading to a meeting with last season's beaten finalists Bayern Munich in the next round.

Following his ultimatum, reports surfaced at the start of the week that Moratti had moved to axe the coach, but it was not until Thursday morning that the decision was officially confirmed.

A club statement read: "Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.

"Inter thank Rafael Benitez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup."

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, dismissed by Moratti after winning his third successive Serie A title in 2008, earlier on Thursday said he believes Benitez has been harshly treated.

"The difference is that I was at the club for four years," he told La Stampa. "Benitez will have been there for six months if it's true that he is being sacked.

"As a colleague, I am sorry for him. Despite the problems Rafa's had, he's won the Italian Super Cup and the Club World Cup and I am sure that Inter will re-enter the title race.

"They weren't doing badly, but then again neither was I and that year we won the Scudetto again."

Benitez has been on holiday in Liverpool in recent days, leading to speculation he could return to Anfield, although Roy Hodgson believes that is unlikely.

"It would be surprising," he said. "If he was the right man for the job then it would have been wiser not to let him go and then bring him back.

"This job will always have lots of people linked with it. When you occupy one of the top jobs in the country, it would be very strange if other people were not linked with your job. I'm sure there are people who are very envious of my position and would very much like to take my place."