You can still catch The Odd Couple on cable TV in Italy, but Serie AâÂÂs very own Felix and Oscar will have a prime-time slot on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri will take their cantankerous, mismatched relationship in front of an enthralled San Siro audience for a performance sure to have us all rolling in the aisles.
ItâÂÂs Inter vs Juventus, ItalyâÂÂs answer to Manchester United vs Liverpool and Real Madrid vs Barcelona, and is known by its grandiose title âÂÂThe Derby of Italy.âÂÂ
No love's lost between the clubs and certainly none between the fastidious, preening Portugese peacock and the laid-back, easy-going Italian.
However, they canâÂÂt seem to live without each other and especially without getting on each otherâÂÂs nerves.
Asked whether Ranieri would extend the hand of âÂÂfriendshipâ before the game, the Juve boss replied: âÂÂWith the help of God, yes.âÂÂ
Jose offers his hand (God not pictured)
That will be probably be the height of any good will, with Ranieri claiming: âÂÂWe have nothing in common. ThatâÂÂs the simple fact.âÂÂ
That may be so, but their on-running series has produced some classic quotes, with the Italian press reproducing some of the best this week.
First, Mourinho arrived at Chelsea in July 2004 only to berate his predecessor for failing to win anything with: âÂÂIf anyone happens to speak to Ranieri tell him you can only win the Champions League by beating clubs from other countries.âÂÂ
While later that year Ranieri, admitting he doesnâÂÂt follow his old side, chirped: âÂÂFriends tell me they are difficult to watch.âÂÂ
This year, Mourinho cropped up in Italy, chatting away like a native, adding: âÂÂThe previous coach at Chelsea could hardly say âÂÂGood morningâ or âÂÂGood afternoonâ after five years in England.
âÂÂHeâÂÂs won nothing and how old is he, 70?âÂÂ
"The Force is strong with Jose. He must not become a Jedi."
Cue canned laugher as Ranieri turns 57 and turns to the audience with a knowing smile before uttering: âÂÂYou should congratulate me, I am 70.âÂÂ
On Friday afternoon during the pre-game press conference, Mourinho was as po-faced as a judge, claiming: âÂÂIâÂÂll be as educated as ever and seeing as I am at home I will extend my hand in the tunnel.âÂÂ
To do what, remains to be seen.
Now, how did that theme tune go again?
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