Moratti to wait on Benitez replacement

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti insists he will not appoint a new coach until after Christmas.

Rafael Benitez this week departed the club after an ignominious six-month spell at the San Siro. Speculation has grown this week that former AC Milan coach Leonardo – who was also a favourite as a player for Inter’s city rivals – is the likeliest replacement.

However, Moratti urged patience today, saying: “Something will happen after Christmas, from the 27th of December onwards”.

The Inter supremo also rejected suggestions Leonardo would represent a snub to his club’s rivals Milan.

“I never make this kind of reasoning, I do not live out of spite,” he said. “And I would be disappointed if it were interpreted in this way.”