Former AC Milan manager Leonardo has been named the new coach of city rival Inter Milan.
The European and Italian champion announced Leonardo’s appointment on its website on Friday, a day after Rafa Benitez’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement. Leonardo’s contract starts on December 29 and runs until June 2012.
Benitez led Inter to the Club World Cup title last weekend, but the squad is languishing in seventh place in Serie A, 13 points behind leader Milan. The Spanish coach lasted only six months after taking over from Jose Mourinho, who left for Real Madrid following last season’s historic treble.
Leonardo’s only head coaching experience came last season when he led Milan, but the term ended abruptly when the Brazilian clashed with club owner and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.
