Nicolo Zaniolo is adamant AS Roma are title contenders.

The midfielder is recovering from knee surgery and hopes to see action at the end of the season.

“We started very well, the team are strong and we lack nothing," Zaniolo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The Championship is long and you never know.

“We will do our best."

Roma coach Paulo Fonseca has helped Roma into third in Serie A after 14 games and Zaniolo praised the Portuguese tactician.

“He is very loyal, he tells you things to your face," the young attacker said, before he added that former hero Francesco Totti helped him after the injury setbacks.

“[Totti] was close to me after my injuries and suggested that I return calmly because there's no one chasing me."