Mourinho hits back at Italian media

Jose Mourinho has stoked his feud with the Italian media by issuing a terse statement today ahead of Inter Milan's Serie A clash with Bologna.

The former Chelsea boss has endured a difficult relationship with the press since his move to Italy and it has worsened in recent weeks.

Mourinho, who has often declined to attend press conferences, answered questions from fans on the Inter Channel this week and the media have seized on one of his comments.

Asked whether the title race was now a three-horse race following his side's recent poor run, Mourinho said: "I don't want to talk about the championship. It's not a three-horse race. It's a fight between one team and many other things."

The press interpreted this as a dig at the football authorities, of whom he has fallen foul on a number of occasions this season, but Mourinho said in a statement on www.inter.it today: "Who changed my words, 'many other things'? Not me.

"Don't I even have the right to talk to the Inter fans without someone poking their nose in at all costs???"

He then continued with a message to his club's supporters, saying: "Tomorrow it's just us: tired, injured, suspended.

"Us, who, together with you, have to win a very difficult match against Bologna.

"Sincere thanks to all the fans for the support and the great passion that they transmit to us, and that we all feel."

Meanwhile, Mourinho has named Mario Balotelli in his squad for the first time in nearly a month.

The 19-year-old, who has been linked with a move to AC Milan, reportedly infuriated Mourinho by donning a Rossoneri jersey during a television show last month but this week issued a statement apologising for his part in the spat.

Inter have four players suspended for the Bologna clash - Samuel Eto'o, Maicon, Lucio and Javier Zanetti - while Wesley Sneijder is battling an injured ankle.