Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the Giallorossi have what it takes to "dethrone" Juventus this season.
Juve are seeking a record sixth straight Serie A title this term and Roma, their closest rivals over that five-year period of domination, are once again their main title challenger so far this term.
Szczesny was part of the Roma team which finished third behind Juve and Napoli last season, but he feels the current group of players are even stronger, and ready to give Juve a real run for their money.
"Juve are favourites, but they are not much better than Roma so we can take the title off them," the Polish goalkeeper told Laczy Nas Pilka, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We've dropped a few points on the way, it's true, but this happens to everybody in Italy, even Juventus.
"Of course they are one of the best teams around, but Roma can dethrone them. We've got great objectives for this season."
There are currently four points between the two sides sitting first and second in the standings after 12 games of the season.
It is the first full season back for Luciano Spalletti, who took over from Rudi Garcia in January and lifted them to third and into a Champions League playoff, which they lost to Porto in August.
They are top of their Europa League group and on course for a place in round of 32 and Szczesny says that Spalletti has made a difference.
"He makes the decisions and he does not need to explain anything," the 26-year-old said. "He keeps discipline and has no problems with his contact with the players. It's really great to work with him."