Allegri, Inzaghi deny rift rumours

Former AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi and current Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri have denied reports of a row between them.

It was speculated the pair were involved in a training ground bust-up at the club’s Vismara Centre, where the Inzaghi-coached Milan youth team are based.

Both were quick to dispel the rumours in an interview with the Milan Channel.

“Nothing happened, absolutely nothing,” Allegri said. “There is no problem with Pippo. In fact, there is great collaboration between the first team and the youth sectors. There was an exchange of opinions without any offence or heavy words.”

World Cup winner Inzaghi, who called time on his distinguished career at the end of last season, backed up the former Cagliari coach’s message.

“Allegri is right, it lasted for one minute,” he said. “The youth team players didn’t notice anything because nothing happened.

“We are Milan and we all love Milan, so nothing like that would have occurred. Rather than writing about things that didn’t happen, Milan need a helping hand.”

The 45-year-old Allegri backed Inzaghi to become a top-class coach and is hoping the former Milan striker continues to develop his skills at San Siro.

“I hope to remain at Milan for some time to come,” Allegri said. “But I won”t be here forever and I think that Filippo has all the characteristics needed to have an excellent career as a coach.

“He’s started from an excellent base and he can do a good job.”