This afternoon’s meeting between Roberto Mancini and Massimo Moratti ended in just 20 minutes and there are rumours that the Inter boss’ reign is over.

The speculation over Mancio’s future has been growing in intensity since he attempted to resign after the Nerazzurri’s Champions League exit against Liverpool in March.

Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho has consistently been touted as a replacement this summer and that suggestion has been supported by reports that the ex-Chelsea man has been learning Italian.

However, Moratti has repeatedly insisted that he wants to keep Mancini in the hot seat and had played down talk of today’s meeting being used to discuss the Coach’s exit.

But after Mancini walked out of a private residence in Milan after 20 minutes and refused to comment on the outcome, there have been reports that his contract has been rescinded.

There have also been unconfirmed rumours that Inter director Marco Branca is in Portugal this afternoon to finalise terms with Mourinho, who could take over the reigns within a fortnight.

As yet there have been no statements from either side, but the calcio world waits with baited breath.

Inter Milan have sacked coach Roberto Mancini despite leading the Italians to three successive Serie A titles.

His future has been in doubt since March when he said he would quit the club at the end of the season, only to change his mind a day later.

"FC Internazionale have informed Roberto Mancini that he has been sacked as coach," said a club statement.

"In particular because of the comments made by the coach at the end of the Inter-Liverpool match."

Mancini's exit increases speculation that the Italian could become the next manager at Chelsea following the departure of Avram Grant on Saturday.

Former Blues manager Jose Mourinho is the favourite to replace Mancini.

The Italian champions confirmed on Thursday that Mancini had met with club owner Massimo Moratti on Tuesday.

Mancini joined Inter in 2004 and has led them to three successive Serie A titles.

However, following their exit in the Champions League to Liverpool in March, Mancini said he would quit the Italian giants at the end of the season.

But Mancini who has coached at Lazio and Fiorentina later retracted those comment, but ultimately they cost him his job.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been appointed as manager of Serie A side Inter Milan.

Mourinho has signed a three-year deal with the Italian side in his first job since he and Chelsea parted company by mutual consent in September 2007.

The 45-year-old succeeds Roberto Mancini, who was sacked after leading the club to a third consecutive Serie A title last season.

Mourinho will be unveiled at a press conference at 1030 BST on Tuesday.

A statement on Inter's website said: "Internazionale announce the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

"The Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract and will work alongside Rui Farias, Silvino and Andrei Villas Boas.

"The assistant coach will be Giuseppe Baresi."

Farias, Silvino and Boas were all part of Mourinho's backroom set-up at Chelsea, while Baresi is the head of the Italian outfit's academy.

The club added: "Thanking Roberto Mancini and his staff for the success obtained in four seasons as the leader of the team, all of Internazionale has the great pleasure to welcome Jose Mourinho and his coaches."

Mourinho has been heavily linked with the role at Inter and has reportedly been taking Italian lessons ahead of any possible appointment.

Inter appear to have drafted in Mourinho to help improve their success in Europe.

Despite their domination on the domestic front, they have struggled in the Champions League and were beaten at the last 16 stage by Liverpool.

"Serie A is feeling a little tender right now and perhaps not enjoying its status like before so having Mourinho joining is a very positive thing," said Italian football expert James Richardson.

While at Porto, Mourinho won the Uefa Cup in 2003 and the Champions League in 2004.

He also led Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2005 and 2006, while the Stamford Bridge side were beaten by Liverpool twice in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2005 and 2007.

Mourinho is expected to have plenty of funds to strengthen the side and has already been linked with Chelsea players Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

This summer’s Italian Super Cup will be played in the USA, Lega Calcio chief Antonio Matarrese has revealed.

The season opener pits League champions Inter against Cup winners Roma once again.

And this year, the clash will take place in the USA in order to appeal to the large North American market.

“The Super Cup could be played in Philadelphia because we have received an offer from there as well as New York,” Matarrese said.

“Will the Italian fans complain? If they do it means they will be making the trip.”