ROME (Reuters) -- Inter Milan's preparations for their Champions League group B clash with Arsenal on Tuesday are being dogged by tension between Christian Vieri and the club's fans.

The Italian international striker scored in Inter's 6-0 demolition of mid-table Reggina at the weekend, but was whistled by a large section of the home supporters.

He responded with sarcastic applause towards the stands and needled the fans even more by flashing a thumbs-up as he left the pitch at halftime.

The falling-out dates back to Inter's labored 2-2 away draw with Brescia last month, when Vieri directed an obscene gesture at Inter fans who had whistled their team's lackluster performance.

Since then the club's fortunes have improved.

Under the guidance of Alberto Zaccheroni, who took over from sacked coach Hector Cuper, Inter have taken 10 points from their last four league matches without conceding a goal.

The run has lifted the Milan side to fourth in Serie A but has failed to improve relations between their most prolific goalscorer and the paying public.

After beating Reggina, Zaccheroni said he was unconcerned by the stand-off between Vieri and the supporters.

"Vieri's a problem for other people, not for us," the 50-year-old coach was quoted as saying in Corriere dello Sport on Monday.

"He has already scored five goals (in Serie A) this year and is the kind of player you never substitute.

"He seemed a bit calmer in the second half against Reggina, but as far as I'm concerned he's fine the way he is.

"It's not my job to worry about the reaction of a group of fans.