The Biancoceleste go into Saturday's encounter against Lecce in Rome's Stadio Olimpico looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Lazio are currently one point clear after getting off to an excellent start this season - four wins and a defeat from five matches.

Their strong display in last weekend's 3-1 win at Torino has given the Biancoceleste players a firm belief that they can battle for the Scudetto this campaign - Lazio last won the Italian title in 1999-2000.

Unlike Scudetto contenders Internazionale, Roma, Juventus and AC Milan, Lazio are not taking part in European competitions this season, having finished a disappointing 12th in Serie A last term, and they are making the most of it so far.

However, Rossi remains cautious.

"I am very happy to coach players that point to the highest," he said. "In my opinion, the aims of a team should be met and not declared.

"On paper, there are many teams that are stronger than us.

"Our players are young but have the right spirit although they still have a lot of work to do.

"I am convinced that we can still improve.

"I have several players that are out of action like Tommaso Rocchi, Ousmane Dabo and Matuzalem."

In the meantime, Rossi is enjoying the view from the top.

"I am very proud to see Lazio leading the standings," he said. "Although I am aware that it is early days yet."

Rossi is hoping his team's display will bring more fans to the stadium come Saturday.

"I would be even prouder if I see 50,000 fans turn up to watch us play this weekend because that would mean that we are doing something important."

Lecce travel to the Italian capital on the back of a 2-0 win against Cagliari, which marked their second success since gaining promotion to the top flight this summer.

"This was a very important result for us," admitted Lecce coach Mario Beretta. "This is the Serie A, every game is difficult and you need to sweat in order to get results."

The outcome saw Lecce climb to 11th in the standings, four points clear of the drop zone.

Defence will be the key for the Salentini to have a chance to beat in-form Lazio, who have the best striking force in the competition with 13 goals notched in five games.

Lecce, who have given away just two goals in their past four league games, will have to keep a close eye on Argentinian sensation Mauro Zarate, who has scored an impressive six goals in his debut season in Serie A.

Beretta will be desperate to recover goalkeeper Francesco Benussi, who is doubtful for the encounter having sustained a hand injury in training this week.

Should Benussi fail to recover, Antonio Rosati will take his place in goal.