Carlo Ancelotti believes both Napoli and Roma “can fight with Juventus for the title” this season.
The Bianconeri have won five Scudetti in a row, with the Partenopei and the capital club their nearest challengers for most of that time.
“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.
Carlo Ancelotti believes both Napoli and Roma “can fight with Juventus for the title” this season.
The Bianconeri have won five Scudetti in a row, with the Partenopei and the capital club their nearest challengers for most of that time.
“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.
“For Napoli, the absence of [Arkadiusz] Milik will be a big burden, he had started well and was very effective even if he’s not a finisher like [Gonzalo] Higuain.
“Now it’s up to [Manolo] Gabbiadini to prove his worth, he can be decisive. The Champions League? It won’t affect [Maurizio] Sarri’s men.
“Roma are a great team with a strong defence and a good midfield. 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.
“Edin Dzeko? Of course he needs confidence, but he’s always been a top striker. 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…”
Napoli and Roma meet this weekend, has neither club ever tried to get Ancelotti as Coach?
“Napoli have never tried, though I have a good relationship with [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis. Roma called me when [Fabio] Capello was still at Trigoria.
“Who knows, maybe one day. Never say never…”