Inter Milan appoints Frank de Boer new manager

Frank de Boer has succeeded Roberto Mancini as manager of Inter Milan.

The Dutchman signed a three-year deal to begin his first coaching role outside his homeland, a day after Mancini was given the boot following reports of a fractious relationship with the club's owners and a disastrous preseason campaign.

De Boer, who guided Ajax to four Eredivisie titles in six years during his previous managerial stint, has just 12 days to prepare for Inter's first match of the season - a trip to Chievo Verona.

He joins a squad unsettled by friendly defeats of 3-1, 4-1, and 6-1 to Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, and one, according to predecessor Mancini, in need of recruitment.

Considering Juventus' lucrative purchase of Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli, the void between the Old Lady and the rest of the league could've widened significantly. Inter relinquished its position atop Serie A halfway through last term to eventual champion Juve.

The Nerazzurri's last major honour came in 2011, when Leonardo steered them to Coppa Italia glory.