Only Luis Figo's reluctance to take the job saved Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri from the sack yesterday.

Sport says Figo had agreed with Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti to replace Ranieri should they lose on Sunday against Napoli. The talks were held after defeat to Marseille in the Champions League last week.

However, when it came to the crunch, Figo wobbled and left Moratti without a replacement following their loss to Napoli at the San Paolo.

Figo acts as team manager at Inter and though he has never coached, knows the players inside-out and would be a popular choice to succeed Ranieri.