Mourinho made the retort in response to Juve coach Claudio Ranieri's remarks that he sympathised with his Roma counterpart Luciano Spalletti after Inter were granted a controversial penalty in a 3-3 draw with the capital club at the weekend.

Juve then escalated the row earlier today by publishing an official statement on their website, www.juventus.com, demanding an apology from Mourinho's employers.

"Having carefully read the serious statements made by the Inter coach, Juventus express shock and disdain and ask Inter to publicly disassociate themselves from such opinions," read the statement.

"With his comments, the Inter coach has shown a lack of respect not only to Juventus and their 14 million fans, but to the whole of Italian football.

"Rather than feeding a dangerous culture of suspicion, the clubs' representatives have a duty to show educations and a sense of responsibility - before, during and after games - to sustain the development of Italian football and its international image."

But tonight Inter waded back into the row, defending Mourinho while acknowledging that his 'style' of management often rubs opponents the wrong way.

"Having carefully read Juventus' official statement, we highlight the fact that Jose Mourinho responded in a clear and explicit manner to an attack of the same level," said an Inter statement.

"Our coach expressed his ideas, without making insinuations, without malice, with honesty, according to his style which is very much appreciated by the club."