Scudetto Showdown: Roma v Inter

There is more to Roma and Inter than Francesco Totti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the duel between the forwards could be a key feature as the two top sides in Serie A go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Last season's European Golden Boot winner Totti, who has scored four goals in as many Serie A appearances this term, will return to action after missing his side's 2-2 draw at Fiorentina in midweek because of a minor injury.

"Inter and Roma are the favourites to win the Scudetto," said the Roma captain, who turned 31 this week. "It's going to be a difficult game but we have already proved we can beat them."

Roma beat Inter 1-0 at the San Siro in August to take the SuperCoppa after beating the Milan club 7-4 on aggregate in last year's Coppa Italia final. Having finished 22 points behind Inter in Serie A last season, the Giallorossi seem to have closed the gap between themselves and the Nerazzurri having made an impressive start to the new campaign.

However, Roberto Mancini's side showed they are back on the right track after a difficult start with a convincing 3-0 midweek win against Sampdoria and are level with Roma on eleven points after five games.

Ibrahimovic led his team to the success against the Blucerchiati scoring twice to join Juventus' David Trezeguet with six goals at the top of the Serie A scoring chart.

"It's not true that I'm essential to Inter," he said. "We are all strong in this squad and when everyone plays at their best, it's easier for me to do well. I feel in good form. The victory against Sampdoria was a big boost in confidence and we must use that against Roma. We are going to Rome to get a win."

Source: Paolo Menicucci (UEFA)