Mourinho and Ranieri finally clash on the field

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho and Juventus counterpart Claudio Ranieri clash for real on Saturday (7:30 p.m. British time) after a number of verbal spats between the former Chelsea bosses.

The pair are far from being best of friends given their recent past, differing styles and their clubs' Serie A rivalry.

Ranieri built up a decent Chelsea side only to be sacked in 2004 and watch Mourinho take over and lead the London club to two Premier League titles.

The debate about how much credit each man deserved for Chelsea's success rumbles on and almost as soon as Mourinho arrived at champions Inter in June, a personal feud began.

The charismatic and direct Mourinho contrasts markedly with the avuncular and calm Ranieri. The Portuguese has criticised Ranieri's knowledge of English and accused the 57-year-old of being too long in the tooth among other jibes.

Ranieri has mixed views about his rival.

"I don't like it how he creates controversies," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I like the fact all players say good things about him -- it shows he has a good relationship."

The long rivalry between the clubs, who have consistently battled against each other for the Italian title, is just as intense and if not more so than the Milan city derby. Inter versus Turin-based Juventus is called the "Derby of Italy."