Roma captain Francesco Totti has challenged his critics to continue undermining him.

Totti scored a hat-trick in Roma's 3-1 win over Bari after an absence of almost two months.

Critics have rounded on the Italian by saying he has lost it as a player. According to football-italia.net, some have even claimed he did not deserve a planned contract extension until 2014.

“Now I hope they keep on saying I'm past it, as it brings me luck. Go on, say I'm finished as a player!” he grinned after the 3-1 win over Bari.

“That is all I'm saying today, as it would be too easy for me to give interviews after a hat-trick. I'd rather go home.”

Totti hadn't played since the victory over Napoli on October 4, when he also scored a brace.

In all he has netted nine Serie A goals in eight games and has caught Antonio Di Natale at the top of the Capocannoniere charts.

Di Natale cannot add to his tally this weekend, as the Udinese striker is suspended for the trip to Juventus this evening.