Roma captain Francesco Totti has dismissed the quality of Mauro Zarate ahead of the derby against Lazio.

Zarate has struggled to rediscover his best form in the current campaign, scoring just twice as Lazio continue their disastrous run of games without a win since the second week of the season.

Asked if he considers Zarate to be one of Serie A's best strikers, Totti replied: "For me there are other champions.

"He's a good player, but he certainly isn't a champion. He still has to grow."