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.