Benatia: Roma are not Serie A favourites

The 26-year-old insists that Juventus and Napoli are likely to become champions this season despite the Giallorossi's impressive unbeaten start to the campaign

Mehdi Benatia insists Roma should not be considered favourites for the Serie A title despite their unbeaten start to the campaign.

The Giallorossi sit atop the table, a point ahead of Juventus, with 10 wins, two draws and no losses to their name.

However, the Morocco international maintains the current Scudetto holders and Napoli will be scrapping for glory all the way this season, and stresses Rudi Garcia's men are simply focused on European qualification.

"We're not favourites for the Scudetto, our principal objective this season is to get this team back into European competition," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"If anything more than that is possible then we'll do that, but Juventus and Napoli will fight until the end and we'll have to duel with them."

Juventus have clawed themselves back to within a point of Roma following back-to-back draws for the Giallorossi, and Benatia admits he is in awe of the strength in depth at Antonio Conte's disposal.

"Juventus have been the strongest team in Italy for three years," he confessed.

"They are a great side, they have a complete squad and a quality one.

"They'll do well in the Champions League as well."