Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini has claimed that he "did not expect" Juventus to have a poor start to the new Serie A season.

The Italian champions lost the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal in the summer transfer window, but were still installed as the favourites with the bookmakers to win another title.

The Old Lady have only won one of their opening six league games this season, however, and Mancini has revealed his surprise at their struggles.

"I did not expect Juventus to have such a bad start," Mancini told Il Messaggero.

"Of course, it was to be expected that they would have a difficult start after losing key men such as Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal. You knew that would have its effect, but I did not expect this.

"But Juventus remain Scudetto contenders for me once they get back on track, together with Roma and Napoli."

Mancini's Inter were beaten 4-1 at home by Fiorentina at the weekend, but still sit second in Serie A.