The Nerazzurri currently sit fourth in the league table following a strong start to the campaign under Walter Mazzarri, but Buffon feels the arrival of Erick Thohir as their new owner and president could prove to be a big boost in their bid to return to the Serie A summit.
"The arrival of Thohir at Inter is a big thing. It signifies a huge change. It's good to see foreign money find its way to Serie A," Buffon told Tuttosport.
"I would say Inter are Scudetto challengers as well now."
Buffon also insisted champions Juventus have begun the season in very good form, and would be sitting clear at the top were it not for the record-breaking run of Roma.
"The only reason why we are not sitting top of the table is that Roma have been excellent. But so have we, just look at our results," he said.
"The important thing for us at Juventus is that we will not have any regrets in the end. We always want to give everything and get the best out of ourselves."
Juventus currently sit second in Serie A, trailing leaders Roma - who won their first 10 games in a row - by one point.