Inter Milan GM Gabriele Oriali admits Roberto Mancini was stunned by his sacking last week.

Oriali was photographed earlier this week jogging with Mancini in Montecarlo and he explained: "To be honest, we went for a run because Roberto felt the need to calm the nerves, to get rid of the bitterness.

"The shock was profound: these are things that can destroy you.

"He was convinced he would continue and was already thinking about the new season and the Champions League."

Oriali added: "Unfortunately, the president (Massimo Moratti) made this decision and Roberto must accept it. But for someone to have been so long with Inter, winning things, it is difficult to accept dismissal."