Italian football (soccer) club Inter Milan fired its Argentine coach Hector Cuper six games into his third Serie-A league season.
The team's Web site made the announcement Sunday, one day after Inter's 2-2 draw at Brescia, and a 3-1 loss to city rival AC Milan two weeks ago. Heading into play Sunday, Inter was seven points behind co-leaders Juventus and Milan.
The statement on the Web site said Cuper's close associates on the team's staff had also been fired, effective immediately. Cuper will be replaced at the helm of the club by former AC Milan and Lazio coach Alberto Zaccheroni on Wednesday. Assistant coach Corrado Verdelli will temporarily take charge for the club's Champions League match Tuesday at Lokomotiv Moscow.
The 47-year-old Cuper was in his third season with Inter after guiding Spanish side Valencia to two Champions League finals.