Milan: Former AC Milan manager Leonardo was named coach of city rivals Inter Milan on Friday.

The European and Italian champions announced Leonardo’s appointment on their website, a day after Rafa Benitez’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement. Leonardo’s contract starts Dec. 29 and runs until June 2012.

His first match in charge will come against second-place Napoli when Serie A resumes Jan. 6.

Benitez led Inter to the Club World Cup title last weekend, but the team is languishing in seventh place in Serie A, 13 points behind leaders Milan. Benitez lasted only six months after taking over from Jose Mourinho, who left for Real Madrid following last season’s historic treble.

Leonardo’s only head coaching experience came last season when he led Milan, but the term ended abruptly when the 41-year-old Brazilian clashed with club owner and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

In its statement, Inter said it was “convinced that he’ll be able to put his class, experience as a champion and mentality to the service of the club to get the results that Inter and their fans want.” (Agencies)