Inter Milan interim boss Stefano Vecchi insists he is fully focused on Thursday’s Europa League clash with Southampton.

The Nerazzurri youth team coach assumed first-team responsibilities following the sacking of Frank de Boer on Tuesday, and he will take charge of the team for the first time during the match at St Mary’s Stadium.

Vecchi will oversee a side that have lost four of their last five matches in Serie A, while they are also bottom of their European group, despite securing a 1-0 victory against Southampton two weeks ago.

The 45-year-old admits that he was sad to see De Boer depart the club, but he knows the pressure will be immediately on his shoulders during Thursday night’s match.

“I am sorry for Frank de Boer, for solidarity with a colleague,” said Vecchi. “The relationship between the first team and the youth team was good. Unfortunately, these things happen in football.

“I’ve worked with some of these players before, but clearly to prepare for a Europa League game puts the pressure on.” The Italian has been tipped to succeed De Boer on a permanent basis, but he insists that he is not thinking too far ahead, and is instead fully focused on the trip to St Mary’s.

“I do not know what will happen,” he said when asked about his future prospects. I am the coach of Inter and thank the sporting director Piero Ausilio for the opportunity. What happens next is not important.”

Inter are available at 4.50 to secure a victory on Thursday, while Southampton are priced at 1.85 and the draw is on offer at 3.60.