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Inter Milan director discusses Antonio Conte approach: Fans protest during defeat
INTER MILAN admit they are struggling to convince Antonio Conte to quit Chelsea and join them this summer as fans voice their fury at the decision to sack Stefano Pioli.
Inter Milan fans left their seats at the San Siro in protest of Pioli's sacking
Inter Milan axed Pioli this week and Express Sport understands they want to appoint Chelsea boss Conte.
Conte has been offered a new deal at Chelsea after leading the Blues to the Premier League title in his first year in charge.
Inter’s offer, who supposedly comes with a £127million transfer kitty, could tempt the Italian.
Inter have cash to spend after Chinese company Suning Holdings Group took over the club last year.
I don’t know how we could convince Conte, or anyone, really
But director Piero Ausilio concedes the club are struggling to attract a top coach to replace Pioli.
“I don’t know how we could convince Conte, or anyone, really,” he said.
“We know there are great coaches out there and most of them are under contract.
“We have some ideas, which I will not reveal, but the disadvantage of our place in the table is actually an advantage, because it gives us time to build and get our situation together.”
Inter Milan's supporters do not blame Pioli for their poor season
Inter Milan went a goal down to Sassuolo at the San Siro
Inter sacked Stefano Pioli this week
Inter sit eighth in Serie A and will not play European football next season.
Pioli was drafted in to steady the ship after Frank de Boer was sacked last November after less than six months in charge.
And fans today staged a protest in the San Siro during Inter’s 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo.
Midway through the first half and ‘ultras’ on Inter’s north stand left their seats in protest over Pioli’s sacking.
One banner read: 'Thank you Mister Pioli, the only Interista 'actor' in the middle of a team of unworthy players and a club of cameo roles.'
Chelsea are determined to keep Antonio Conte away from Inter Milan
Chelsea players spray champagne in changing room after title win
Discussing the decision to get rid of Pioli, Ausilio said: “It was difficult to fire Pioli, a good man who always gave 110 per cent for Inter.
“It probably wasn’t even fair to Pioli to leave him hanging for three weeks amid speculation when the decision had already been made to change.
“I want to make it clear the decision was made recently, not three months ago.
“It was also out of respect for Pioli, giving him the time to find a new situation for himself.”
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