Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has brushed off his association with Inter Milan ahead of his side's clash with AC Milan in the Champions League.
The Atleti boss played for the Nerazurri from 1996-1999, but the former Argentina international denied that his allegiance to Milan's city rivals will have any impact on the tie.
Simeone told reporters: "San Siro is a wonderful stadium, where I played many times [but] I don't see this as a Milan Derby. I have great respect for Milan and those who work there. They have a great coach (Massimiliano Allegri) who must keep hold of a very difficult bench and an exceptional squad.
"We'll see if they buy any more great players in January and also what the form is going into such a wonderful challenge.
"Currently I'd see qualification as a 50% chance each. We're still in December, so it's too early to say who is the favourite."
The two-legged tie will be played in February.
Paul Gorst
