After reaching the knock-out stage of the Champions League for the first time, high flying AS Roma are ready to take on all comers as they bid for European and domestic glory.
The Giallorossi sealed their place in the CL round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Valencia Tuesday.
They are also pushing Inter Milan hard in the Serie A title race and still in with a shout of claiming their eighth Italian Cup.
And they are not going to be intimidated by anyone.
"When you get to this level you have to be good at making the most of your qualities and strengths," said coach Luciano Spalletti after the Valencia victory.
"In the Champions League knock-stage there are tanks like Lyon and Chelsea, but our lads will know what to do against any opponent".
Once again Tuesday, Spalletti showed his skill at making the most of limited resources.
The coach was without captain Francesco Totti, who has been in outstanding form this season, and midfielder Alberto Aquilani - both injured - and suspended Chilean playmaker David Pizarro.
But he still managed to conjure up a win - when a draw was enough - thanks to a goal from stand-in captain Christian Panucci.
Like Totti, the 33-year-old right-back is playing particularly well at the moment.
Panucci is also developing a knack for finding the net.
He has scored three goals in Serie A and is making a strong case for a return to the national team.
Now Roma's focus will fall back onto the title race and Sunday evening's derby match against Lazio.
Totti, who is suffering with an ankle-ligament problem, is doubtful.
But Roma - who are second in the league, four points behind Inter - have shown they can manage without their captain and will approach the match in high spirits no matter what.
Roma's situation contrasts with that of six-time European champions AC Milan.
Milan are lying a lowly 15th in Serie A despite having a squad that on paper is much stronger than Roma's.
Furthermore, unlike Roma, Milan seem overly dependent on their star player, Brazil's Kaka, at the moment.
When Kaka has an off day, Milan inevitably struggle.
The picture is brighter in Europe.
Milan's home match against Lille on Wednesday is a formality, as they are already certain of winning Group H, despite losing their last Champions League outing, 1-0 at AEK Athens.
