Lucio is confident Inter Milan are a stronger proposition this season.

The new defensive signing said: “Even if Inter won the last few Scudetti that doesn’t mean it will be easy and that we are favourites.

“It will always be difficult and perhaps even more now since our rivals will face us with incredible motivation.

“Juventus are in good form at the moment, maybe better than us but that is just a temporary situation. With the start of the season things could change.

“Here at Appiano Gentile I have found a nice environment and everybody has made me feel at home.”