Inter coach Roberto Mancini has congratulated AC Milan for their Club World Championship triumph and insists he aimed no shot at their city rivals prior to last night's final.

"I want to compliment Milan and Carlo Ancelotti," assured Mancini. "I did not want to offend anyone. I never said Milan were playing a friendly, but rather that the old format with a one-off match was much more enjoyable."

This is the first time a European club has won the competition since it was made into a tournament with sides from various different confederations.

"I think Milan think the same way. A scandal was blown up out of nothing at all. When I am involved the media always try to twist my words and create trouble."

The controversy could not be more ill timed, as next Sunday the Milan derby pits the two 'cousins' against each other at San Siro.

"I don't want to say anything more about Milan. I will point out though that the League is a different mentality to Cup competitions."