Shop
Luciano Spalletti’s side face Napoli at San Paolo this weekend, in a contest between the two teams that proved themselves the closest challengers to Juventus last season.
As the new season matures the three clubs once again occupy the three top spots in the table and, although the Bianconeri have opened up a lead after seven games, Ancelotti still believes the campaign can be a three-horse race.
“After seven matches the league isn’t over, trust me,” Ancelotti told Il Messaggero. “Anything can happen, games have to be played and there are still 31 to go.
"Napoli and Roma are slightly inferior to Juve, and they shouldn’t look at the table. So far they haven’t been at 100 per cent, but they can fight with Juventus for the title.
“Napoli are better in possession, Roma are deadly when they get it forward quickly. Both are equipped to be the main rival to Juventus.”
The current Bayern Munich coach, who played for Roma between 1979 and 1987, believes his old side have “great” quality – despite a disappointing exit from the Champions League at the very start of the campaign.
“Roma are a great team with a strong defence and a good midfield,” he added. “Their elimination in the Champions League surprised me and a lot of my colleagues.
“Now they have the chance to make up for it in the Europa League.”
The three-time Champions League-winning coach also had words of support for striker Edin Dzeko, who has started the campaign in fine goalscoring form.
“[Edin Dzeko] needs confidence, but he’s always been a top striker,” Ancelotti said. “Ups and downs are part of player’s career, but he’s always scored goals.
“It’s therefore worth persevering with someone like him. Up-front Roma have the players who can bring out Dzeko’s qualities, and of course there’s always [Francesco] Totti…”
Imperium Partners
Centurion Partners
