Roma legend Francesco Totti believes Juventus are the favourite to win the Serie A title in 2023-24 and reacts to the signing of Romelu Lukaku with a warning: ‘A player is not the entire team.’
The 2006 Italy World Cup winner spoke to Radio Serie A on Thursday. Roma meet Milan on Friday night and will be looking for their first victory this season having collected just one point in the opening two league matches in 2023-24.
“It’s just the beginning. There is a lot to be said and a few top teams have had disappointing results,” said Totti.
“Of course, I am sorry and it hurts because I would have wanted to see Roma higher in the table, but anything can still happen. The main target is to return to the Champions League. I won’t talk about the Scudetto, we must be realistic and the primary target is to return to the Champions League.”
So, who’s the favourite to win the Scudetto?
“To me, Juventus, but anything can happen in football. They don’t play in European competitions and they can work in a different way during the week.”
Roma have just announced Romelu Lukaku’s signature on loan from Chelsea and Totti is excited to see the Belgian striker in action for the Giallorossi but also sent a warning to club’s supporters.
“What’s nice about the Romanisti is that when there is a big thing, we make it even bigger,” he said.
“It’s hard to find the same passion as Roma fans elsewhere. Hopefully, their love can be repaid on the pitch. Lukaku is a great signing, he has the potential to make the difference, hoping that he will be in sync with Dybala. We’ll see nice things, but a player is not the entire team.
“Results must change,” continued Totti, “but the team and the coach know what’s the best approach, new signings will give something more.
“It’s ideal to have José Mourinho at the club, he has won something in every club and is Roma’s added value, he must be followed and trusted.”
Both Dybala and Lukaku are expected to start on the bench against Milan tomorrow. They are not fully fit as Dybala has returned from an injury while the Belgian had been training separately at Chelsea before moving to the capital.
Dybala has once again chosen Roma’s No.21 shirt but what would he need to be worthy of Totti’s iconic N.10?
“I am not the owner, but obviously, the next player wearing it must be somebody who respects the club, Rome and the fans,” said Totti.
“It must be a player that stays at Roma for 20 years, I have nothing against Dybala or Lukaku, but giving the No.10 shirt to somebody who stays for two or three years would not make sense and it would be a responsibility for the player too. Out of respect, Paulo has never asked for it and he will never do so. He is a professional and he picked another number, he’s not stupid.”
Totti was also asked if he’ll ever meet Roma owner Dan Friedkin to discuss a possible return to the club.
“We didn’t have that coffee yet, bars are still closed,” he said smiling.
“We’ll see if we have a chance in September, even at the stadium…”