TURIN - Ahead of their trip to AC Milan, Juventus chief Lapo Elkann has launched a stinging attack on the other Milan team - Serie A leaders Internazionale - declaring that their past two Scudetti are "fake."
Despite finishing third in Serie A in 2006, the Nerazzurri took the title after Juventus were relegated and AC Milan docked points following the match-fixing scandal.
While they won the trophy the following year on the field, some feel the achievement was tarnished as Milan started the season with an eight-point deficit and Juventus were in Serie B.
"Let's see if this year Inter can win the Scudetto on the pitch," Elkann, the grandson of Gianni Agnelli, told Sky Italia.
"Inter are fortunate to have a great squad at their disposal. I don't want to criticise others but the only thing I feel like saying is that the Scudetto they won because of our misfortune isn't a real Scudetto and they know it.
"Let's see if the Nerazzurri manage to repeat that feat this year too, with Juventus in the reckoning."
Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso hit back at the allegations, insisting that the Nerazzurri's first titles since 1989 were won fair and square.
"Inter won these Scudetti and so they belong to the Nerazzurri," he declared to goal.com before questioning some of Juve's achievements. "Everybody knows the history of Calciopoli (the match-fixing scandal), and so I think that the decisions that were made are fair."
But the Argentina international did admit that the Bianconeri are one of their closest rivals in the race for the title.
"The chasing pack consists of many clubs, all eager to catch us," he added.
"And we know how difficult it is to perfect a balance between Europe and Serie A: fatigue can cost you. Juventus don't have that problem; they're not in Europe, so they can concentrate fully on the league."
But perhaps what will hurt more is Elkann's declaration that the Bianconeri consider AC Milan - Inter's bitter rivals - as greater enemies.
Inter are just three points above Juventus, but with a game in hand, and a win for the Old Lady in Milan would see them top on goal difference for a day at least.
And Elkann had little hesitation in showing who he considers their main rivals.
"Milan? Historically there has always been a healthy and wonderful rivalry between us," he added. "They are the biggest friendly rivals that the Bianconeri have ever had."
