FORMER Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi feels Roma are too reliant on Francesco Totti to be able to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title.
Rudi Garcia’s men were regarded as the reigning champions’ biggest rivals in the race for the Scudetto, yet they have already fallen seven points behind after a string of disappointing results.
Sacchi says he has been disappointed by the capital club’s efforts this season, insisting they must become more of a team.
“At the start of the season, we expected a fight between Juventus and Roma for the Scudetto,” Sacchi told Tuttosport.
“Juventus have been replicating last season’s form. Massimiliano Allegri is probably less of a teacher than Antonio Conte, but he has other qualities that allow Juve to keep performing at the same level.
“Unfortunately, Roma have shown that they have certain limitations. They have individual quality but are still too reliant on a player like Totti, who is 38 now.
“It is not all about individual players in football, but about the collective. Their defensive organisation is still a bit rough around the edges.
“Roma – and Napoli for that matter – are not as accustomed to winning as Juventus. This makes a big difference.”
Totti has netted four goals in 17 Serie A appearances so far this season.