Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi has admitted that his team must continue working hard if they are to seriously challenge Juventus for the Serie A title in the new campaign.
Roma secured a second successive runners-up finish in Italy's top flight last season, but they were some 17 points shy of champions Juventus.
De Rossi has conceded that there was little improvement last season from the 2013-14 campaign, but is confident of a challenge this time around.
"Last year we tried to improve, it didn't happen, but we achieved a great final result," he told reporters. "We're working to take the next step. It's a high wall in front of us but we're working seriously."
Roma beat Real Madrid 7-6 on penalties in their first pre-season game at the weekend.
