The spat between Juventus and Inter has moved on to a personal level after Claudio Ranieri hit back at Jose Mourinho.

Last night, the two clubs issued rival statements after Juve were upset by Mourinho's claim that their lofty league position is thanks in part to questionable refereeing decisions this season.

That was Mourinho's response to Ranieri questioning the late penalty awarded to three-time defending champions Inter which allowed the Serie A leaders to score an equaliser and draw 3-3 with Roma.

Mourinho's riposte prompted Ranieri to say: "With Mourinho, it´s a personal thing.

"When I next meet him, if I remember, I will tell him what I need to say to him. But this situation is the style of Inter."

Mourinho, who replaced Ranieri at Chelsea in 2004, has already been engaged in one slanging match with the Juve boss this season when Ranieri criticised his refusal to speak with reporters after a match.

"I studied Italian five hours a day for many months to be able to communicate with you journalists and you think that I lacked respect?" Mourinho said.

"Who is Ranieri to speak? After five years in England, he had trouble saying good morning and good afternoon."