Inter Milan today confirmed the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as their new coach on a deal until June 2013.

Former Valencia, Chelsea and Roma coach Ranieri succeeds Gian Piero Gasperini, who was sacked yesterday after a short, unsuccessful spell in charge. Ranieri's first game will be on Saturday at Bologna.

A statement from the club read: "Claudio Ranieri is officially the new coach of Inter. Ranieri has signed a contract with Inter until 30 June 2013. All of Inter has the pleasure of welcoming Claudio Ranieri and his staff. Ranieri will guide today's training session and will be unveiled tomorrow to the press."

Inter sacked Gasperini after Tuesday's shocking 3-1 defeat at newly-promoted Novara - the team's fourth loss in five games this season.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has said he believes Ranieri will come with the right approach. "He is the best choice," Moratti said. "I think he has the common sense needed to revitalise the team, both as individuals and as a unit.

Claudio Ranieri is officially the new coach of Inter. 
Inter Milan statement

"There is sorrow with regard to Gasperini, he was unlucky in his efforts. Now I am happy with this choice because I think Ranieri has the necessary qualities to do well. He has above all great experience, which at this moment is what we need."

Ranieri, 59, becomes Inter's fifth coach in the past 15 months. Gasperini was appointed in June after Leonardo elected to leave I Nerazzurri and become the sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain.

Leonardo had replaced Rafael Benitez in December. Spaniard Benitez had been brought in six months earlier following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Ranieri had been out of a job since leaving Roma earlier this year.

Ranieri wants to "wake up" Inter
News of Ranieri's appointment had been widely expected after he gave an interview vowing to "wake up the team". Ranieri told Domenica Sportiva: "Inter are a great team. They have had a bad start to the season and I will have to talk to the team to understand why that was.

"I will have to bring enthusiasm and a change of gear in order to wake up the team. I cannot promise that we will win this or that but I believe this team has a lot to give and we must prove it."

Ranieri praised Gasperini's efforts despite his short tenure at the club. "Gasperini wanted to bring his ideas and make them work at all costs but he didn't manage to do it," the 59-year-old said. "I will try to make this team play as it knows how, with all of its strength.

"Gasperini didn't make a mistake and we have to say well done because he tried everything to make his ideas work."