Buffon praises Dzeko and hails Totti ahead of Roma clash

Buffon, 38, believes the Giallorossi have made huge strides in recent seasons and have become strong rivals to the Bianconeri.

“Roma, Napoli and Juventus have produced some fantastic sporting contests over the past few years,” Buffon said. “The development projects of both those teams are now bearing real fruit.

“It doesn’t surprise me – in fact it was more of a surprise when Roma were having a few slip-ups.

“They’ve been a very strong, competitive side for several years now – they have a great coach and some fantastic players, plus the team has built up experience. There’s nothing stopping them from trying to win the title.”

Ahead of the game on Saturday, Buffon was asked about the threat posed by Edin Dzeko – the current top goalscorer in the Serie A.

“Right now [Edin] Dzeko is their most dangerous player,” he said. "He’s slotted into [Luciano] Spalletti’s playing system very easily and evidently understands it to perfection, judging by their results.

"He probably just needed a bit of time – Dzeko’s past career speaks volumes, just as his current form does.”

Buffon was also asked about the longevity of Francesco Totti, and how amazing it was that the two World Cup winners look set to play well beyond their 40th birthdays.

“I’m a bit more fortunate because I play in a different position,” he said. “You just can’t take anything away from Francesco – he plays with the same class he’s always had, and in fact I think he’s even better in some aspects. He’s an icon for the team and for the city of Rome.”