Inter Milan and sporting director Piero Ausilio part ways unexpectedly

10:05

By: Azzat Manal

Inter Milan and sporting director Piero Ausilio part ways unexpectedly

Inter Milan have announced the unexpected departure of sporting director Piero Ausilio, bringing an end to a long administrative career at the Italian club.

The Serie A champions said in a statement that the two sides had agreed to end their working relationship, without providing specific reasons for the decision.

Italian media reports suggested that Ausilio's contract was originally set to run until 2027. However, Inter's U.S.-based ownership group, Oaktree, reportedly offered him only a one-year extension, while the executive was seeking a longer commitment of three additional years.

Ausilio joined Inter in 1998, initially working with the club's youth teams before gradually taking on greater responsibilities. He was appointed sporting director in 2014 and subsequently became one of the key figures behind the club's sporting and transfer strategy.

During his time at Inter, the club won 25 trophies, including three Serie A titles. His tenure covered several important periods in the club's modern history, as Inter rebuilt its squad and returned to the top of Italian football.

His departure comes shortly after Inter secured another Serie A championship, adding further significance to the decision and creating a change in the club's sporting management structure.

Dario Baccin, an administrative figure within Inter's sporting department, will take over as the club's new head of sporting operations. His appointment is expected to ensure continuity while Inter begins a new phase under its current ownership.

Ausilio's exit marks the end of one of the longest managerial associations between a senior sporting executive and a major Italian club, closing a chapter that began nearly three decades ago.