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