Roma coach Fabio Capello insisted his side were in contention for the Serie A title race after they thrashed Inter 4-1 at Rome’s Olympic Stadium.

The result leaves Roma on 56 points from 24 matches, five behind leaders Milan, who beat Sampdoria 3-1 earlier in the day to record their 10th victory in their last 11 league games.

“I think when an opponent plays that well all you can do is pass on your compliments,’ said Capello.

“Juventus and Roma are very good sides and are definitely in with a chance, but Milan this year are out of this world.

“We can’t keep thinking about what the other teams are doing. We’ve got to concentrate on our own game.

“But as long as our forwards continue to create chances and score like they did tonight, I feel confident.”

Meanwhile, Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni said the scoreline flattered the home side.

“Roma were able to use their speed to catch us on the break, but we had our chances too.

“Vieri was one-on-one in front of the keeper, so was Adriano and so was Martins, but we didn’t make the most of our opportunities.”

The defeat was Inter’s fourth in succession and dropped them to seventh in the table,

Asked whether he felt his job was on the line, Zaccheroni replied: “No, not at all. I’ve still got the objective of a Champions League place and the UEFA Cup to work for”.