Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged AC Milan are in for a tough test when they host Roma for a seismic Serie A clash on Sunday.
The Milan boss says Roma are well deserving of their place at the Serie A summit, level on points with defending champions Napoli and three clear of the Rossoneri.
Milan are in fine form as well, having lost just one Serie A clash all season, an opening-day defeat to Cremonese.
Allegri heaped praise on Sunday's visitors ahead of what could be an almighty meeting between two Italian giants.
“Yes, they have only conceded four goals, and they always give the feeling that they can score,” Allegri said at a press conference.
“I don’t know if they’ll remain at the top, but I know we need to get consistent results.”
Allegri will also reunite with his ex-Juventus star Paulo Dybala when Roma visit.
“His qualities are well-known. He arrived in Turin when he was 21, and he has grown a lot," he added. "He has an excellent scoring average, he knows how to play football, and he rarely makes mistakes when he shoots on target."
"[Roma] are not the table leaders by chance. It’s always tough to face [Gian Piero] Gasperini’s teams."
Although Allegri lavished his upcoming opponents with praise, Roma boss Gasperini refused to be drawn on a potential Scudetto challenge.
"I’m not taking part in these discussions about the Scudetto or the Champions League," he said.
"Right now, I’m focused on how Roma will approach the match against Milan. We’ve both had an excellent start. Then, like everyone, I think Inter and Napoli began the season as the favourites.
"Our goal is to test ourselves at San Siro against a strong team.
"In terms of points, it’s hard to ask for more. The goal is to keep improving, building a solid team structure and becoming increasingly competitive. We hope the points we earn will be effective."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AC Milan – Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao has provided four assists in Serie A against Roma, his joint-best tally against an opponent, having also managed four against Verona and Lazio.
The Milan forward has scored in his last two home league games as well, but has only found the net once in three consecutive home appearances in the competition, between April and May 2022.
Roma – Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala has 16 goal involvements against Milan in all competitions (10 goals, six assists), only managing more against Udinese (24 – 14 goals, 10 assists).
The Argentina forward has also been involved in six goals in his last nine competitive matches against the Rossoneri (two goals, four assists).