Roberto Mancini popped into Massimo MorattiâÂÂs office for a little celebration drink on Thursday or what was more likely a little farewell tipple.
The final act of the Inter drama is upon us and although they may well bring the curtain down by adding the Italian Cup to their league title, the season hasnâÂÂt exactly garlanded any five-star reviews.
Time then for a new leading man to take centre stage so SaturdayâÂÂs Cup final against those perennial supporting actors AS Roma - who Inter have met in the final for the last three seasons - will be the last bow for MancioâÂÂs one-man show.
Mancini prepares for final bow
There have been a few thrilling moments on the domestic stage but as a travelling troupe in Europe the Nerazzzuri have produced some pretty lame performances.
Moratti must have been grinding those impressive choppers in frustration as Manchester United and Chelsea grabbed all the best lines in midweek while the Premier League players seem to have stolen the worst of Serie AâÂÂs over-acting if the antics in the Champions League final are anything to go by.
The Champions League is now number one priority for Moratti and waiting impatiently in the wings is a man who knows what itâÂÂs like to get his hands on the trophy.
Jose: Waiting in the wings ready to answer the call
However, Jose Mourinho will have time aplenty to hog the limelight but for Mancini, RomeâÂÂs Olympic Stadium is the perfect setting for his swansong.
It was in the capital, wearing the colours of Lazio, that he produced some of the best football in the twilight of his career, winning the Italian Cup twice - in 1998 and 2000 - as well as coaching the side to their 2004 triumph in the same competition.
Certainly his cup doth runneth over â eight winnersâ medals to his name as player and coach from Sampdoria to Fiorentina, Lazio and now Inter where he has won it twice out of the last three years.
Regrets? He will have a few but without doubt not landing that massive Cup that Ryan Giggs and the rest of them were dancing around with on Wednesday will be the greatest one as he bids us a fond arrivederci.
