Internazionale trio Hernanes, Jonathan and Juan Jesus are reported to have wept after being told by former Head Coach Walter Mazzarri that he had been sacked.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Football Italia, suggests that the tactician and Japan international Yuto Nagatomo were also moved to tears, while former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić offered a supportive hug.
Mazzarri joined Inter in May 2013 following his departure from Napoli and lead them to 5th in Serie A last term – a finish that was enough to earn him a one-year contract extension in July.
Despite some notable new arrivals over pre-season however, Inter have started the new campaign slowly and following Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Hellas Verona, Mazzarri was dismissed on Thursday.
The 53 year-old has already been replaced by former Manchester City Head Coach Roberto Mancini. He previously managed Inter between July 2004 and May 2008 and won seven major honours. His first match in charge will be the Derby della Madonnina against city rivals Milan.
For Juan Jesus and Jonathan, Mazzarri was a big influence on their development in Serie A, with the latter particularly blossoming following his arrival. Hernanes will also likely have a strong affinity with the San Vincenzo native, given that he sanctioned his arrival from Lazio in January for a reported fee of €20 million.