Capello is bound to be one of the names mentioned following today's dismissal of Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been axed just three matches into the new Serie A season.

Inter president Massimo Moratti has previously spoken in glowing terms about the 65-year-old Capello, who presided over AC Milan's glory days a decade ago.

However, the FA are totally confident Capello would resist any overtures and is intent on remaining in his job until after Euro 2012.

England visit Montenegro next month knowing a draw will be enough to clinch a place in next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine.

General manager Franco Baldini has already agreed to take up a similar position with Roma once qualification is assured.

However, with further friendlies to prepare for, and players' form to assess, the FA do not view that as likely in Capello's situation and are certain the Italian will see out his contract as agreed.

Moratti decided it was time for a change after Gasperini's side lost 3-1 at newly-promoted Novara last night - their fourth defeat in five games this term.

A statement from the club read: "The club wishes to thank Gian Piero Gasperini for the effort shown during his tenure and manifests its true disappointment for the interruption of the relationship with the coach."

Gasperini told www.inter.it: "In the end, the results are the ones that determine everything. I am very disappointed. It's a pity that our relationship had to be interrupted."

Former Chelsea, Juventus and Roma coach Claudio Ranieri is the leading candidate to replace Gasperini.

Moratti was coy on the topic when leaving the club's offices today, but hinted the appointment would not come as a big surprise when asked who the next Inter coach will be.

"We've already discussed this, I believe," he said

Moratti felt Gasperini had lost the backing of his players, although the coach had insisted he could turn things around.

"When you lose in the manner that we did against Novara, there is nothing positive to take from that," he said after last night's shock loss.

"Gasperini did not seem to be in control."

Gasperini said in response: "Moratti has declared that I don't have the support of the players?

"The rapport with the group is optimum. If the problem is the coach, then it has an easy solution.

"If, instead, as I believe, the problem is another one, then we must resolve it through work."

Former Genoa boss Gasperini was appointed on a two-year contract in June after Leonardo left the San Siro to become sporting director at Paris St Germain.

He had not been Inter's first choice, though, with Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa and Fiorentina boss Sinisa Mihajlovic both turning down the chance to guide Inter before the club turned to Gasperini.

Leonardo had taken up the reins in December in place of Rafael Benitez, who had been brought in six months earlier following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid.

Inter finished runners-up in Serie A last campaign to arch rivals AC Milan but have yet to win a game this term.

The Nerazzurri travel to Bologna on Saturday before taking on CSKA Moscow in Russia in the Champions League four days later.