AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf has played down Mario Balotelli's rift with teammate Adel Taarabt during the 2-0 defeat to Roma on Friday night.

The duo were seen engaging in a heated exchange of words at the Stadio Olimpico last night, while Balotelli also appeared to question Seedorf's decision to substitute him on 69 minutes.

However, the former Netherlands international says that there are no problems between himself and the Italian, while also stating that quarrels between teammates are often par for the course.

"We just said everything was okay. No problem. Mario was one of three substitutions I made, so I don't see why we should analyse every single one," Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.

"I have been in locker rooms for many years and these things happen. Balotelli and Taarabt talked, there are no problems between them.

"It's best to avoid these things, though in the heat of the game they can happen and all players know what it's like out there."

The Rossoneri remain seventh in the Serie A table following the loss.