Massimiliano Allegri denies Walter Mazzarri problems

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has played down reports of problems between him and Inter Milan boss Walter Mazzarri.

The two tacticians will go head-to-head on Sunday evening during the Milan derby at the San Siro.

"I think Inter are having a great season," Football Italia quotes Allegri as saying on Saturday. "Mazzarri's strength is his organisation, both attacking and defending.

"It's going to be a difficult game against an angry, experienced and fired up side, so we must do well. I've never had any rows with Mazzarri. It can happen to exchange a few jokey comments before a big game.

"Tomorrow we'll salute each other because it's the normal thing to do and I hope it will be a wonderful match. He's laying the foundations for a significant future at Inter."

Inter are currently sixth in Serie A, while Milan are 13th.