Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini insists they can't yet be talking about successfully defending their Scudetto title.

"We are not even halfway through the season. It is far too early, although having said that it is better to be five points clear than three," he said after the 4-0 thrashing of Torino.

"Every game is full of minefields and difficulties. One must be careful at all times."

The gap opened up after Roma stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Livorno, while in the chasing pack only Juventus won this weekend.

"I think that Roma are as good as Inter, although Juve can be dangerous because they do not have the Champions League to contend with. We would like to stay out in front, but there is a long way to go yet."

The Nerazzurri are pulling away despite an injury crisis that has decimated their midfield options.

"Olivier Dacourt's injury is serious and he will be out for the rest of the season. Patrick Vieira is still not recovered. I don't want to ask for any new signings, but when the Champions League resumes we'll run into these problems again."