In new book ‘Preferisco la Coppa,’ Carletto explains he never got along with Capello from the moment they worked together at San Siro, when the current Stamford Bridge was still a player.

“You can’t like everyone you meet in life. Fabio and I had and still have different personalities,” wrote Ancelotti.

“He was surly, didn’t talk to the players and above all hated talking to us about technical issues. Confrontation and debate on these matters was non-existent.

"Perhaps this is why he had so many arguments with players and one day [Ruud] Gullit pinned him to the wall of the Milanello locker room.

“It turned into a brawl. I’m sure many of the players were cheering Gullit on, but together we managed to split them up.”

Capello wasted no time in hitting back at the anecdotes and comments when asked about Ancelotti’s book.

"I don't recognise myself in the description that has been given," snapped the England manager.

"Sometimes I fight with one player. Not a lot, one. Usually I speak with the players but I never went to dinner with them.

"I never went to dinner with the journalists. I prefer to go with my wife or with friends.

"I think the rules of the club are 'I'm a manager, you are a player'. I respect the players and I ask respect from them. Not more than this.

"If you want to be a friend of the players, you be. Ancelotti won with his style. I won with ours."