MILAN - Opposing Japan internationals Keisuke Honda and Yuto Nagatomo have been ribbing each other online ahead of the Milan derby on Sunday.

Asked by Honda for some Italian lessons, Nagatomo replied on Inter's Twitter feed, "I'm already helping you and you're learning. I'll make you a deal: If you lose the derby you have to dye your hair purple!"

Honda's reply on AC Milan's Twitter account: "Not a chance!"

Asked how he would celebrate if he scores, Nagatomo replied, "With a bow or with some sumo moves with Fredy Guarin like I did last season."

Asked if he would be used at left back by Inter, where he might have to defend Honda, Nagatomo replied, "I've played there more than on the right but it's all the same to me."