Inter Milan formally announced their decision to part company with Rafa Benítez on Thursday after an agreement was reached over the immediate termination of his contract.
Benítez, who suffered a similar fate at Premier League club Liverpool six months ago, endured a disappointing spell at the helm of the Nerazzurri.
The Spaniard was handed the unenviable task of succeeding José Mourinho, who led Inter to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles last season before leaving for Real Madrid in the summer.
Inter have won just six of their 15 league games this term and they are currently seventh in the Serie A standings, 13 points adrift of leaders AC Milan, although they do have two games in hand.
Benítez also angered Inter chief Massimo Moratti after last weekend's Club World Cup win when he demanded that the board either fully support him and buy new players in January, or let him go.
Moratti pointedly refused to stand by the 50-year-old following his explosive comments and after a number of days of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Benítez's exit has been confirmed.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Inter Milan and Rafael Benítez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.
"Inter thank Rafael Benítez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup."
Former Milan coach Leonardo is now favourite to take over the hotseat.
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Benítez, who suffered a similar fate at Premier League club Liverpool six months ago, endured a disappointing spell at the helm of the Nerazzurri.
The Spaniard was handed the unenviable task of succeeding José Mourinho, who led Inter to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles last season before leaving for Real Madrid in the summer.
Inter have won just six of their 15 league games this term and they are currently seventh in the Serie A standings, 13 points adrift of leaders AC Milan, although they do have two games in hand.
Benítez also angered Inter chief Massimo Moratti after last weekend's Club World Cup win when he demanded that the board either fully support him and buy new players in January, or let him go.
Moratti pointedly refused to stand by the 50-year-old following his explosive comments and after a number of days of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Benítez's exit has been confirmed.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Inter Milan and Rafael Benítez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.
"Inter thank Rafael Benítez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup."
Former Milan coach Leonardo is now favourite to take over the hotseat.
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