Inter and Milan try to calm fans over probes

MILAN, June 21 (Reuters) European champions AC Milan and city rivals Inter hit back today over two investigations into the conduct of both clubs which could have serious consequences.

Inter president Massimo Moratti and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani look set to be sent to trial over allegations they inflated transfer fees to obtain fictitious capital gains between 2003 and 2005.

Prosecutors said yesterday that Inter would not have had the necessary financial security to have been allowed in the 2005/06 championship if full figures had been available.

Media had speculated that a hefty fine would be the worst punishment if either official was found guilty.

A judge also has the right to impose points deductions, exclude a club from the championship or strip them of a title.

''I tell the fans to be calm,'' Moratti told reporters.

''These are intense days and there is always something that needs answering. Inter are clean.'' Inter were awarded the 2005/06 Serie A title after original winners Juventus were stripped of the championship and demoted in Italy's match-fixing probe.

Roberto Mancini's Inter won last season's title on the pitch rather than in the court room, with Milan struggling to compete at home after an eight-point deduction for their role in the match-fixing scandal.

''I confirm absolutely that Milan's balance sheets, relative to the registration for the 2004/05 and 2005/06 championships, are totally regular,'' Milan's Galliani said.

The two rival clubs are also under investigation by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over the transfer of Cagliari striker David Suazo.

Inter thought they had agreed a deal with Cagliari but Milan announced on Tuesday that the Honduran was their player.

However, Inter said Suazo had signed with them even though the deal with Cagliari had not been formally completed.

FIGC is probing whether any rules have been broken over a player signing for two sides. The investigation could result in a fine for the clubs involved or a ban for the player.

Milan are confident Suazo will remain with them but Inter are not giving up hope.

REUTERS BJR KP1532