Upcoming Clash: Roma vs Napoli – Latest Team News, Lineups, and Predictions

As the sun sets over the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday, anticipation builds for a captivating Serie A clash between Roma and Napoli. With just a two-point chasm separating these two titans ahead of kick-off, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides.

Roma, having slipped from the summit following Milan’s triumph over Lazio, are eager to reclaim their position with a win today. A victory would not only elevate the Giallorossi back to the top but also mark the second time this season they’ve notched three consecutive victories in the league.

Recent emphatic wins over Cremonese and Udinese have rejuvenated Roma after a tight 1-0 defeat to Milan. However, under Gasperini, the team has faltered against their Scudetto rivals, suffering losses to both Milan clubs this season.

On the flip side, Napoli has emerged from a frustrating three-match goal drought with a convincing 3-1 victory over Atalanta last weekend, boosting their confidence. A solid 2-0 win against Qarabag in the Champions League midweek further cements optimism in the Partenopei camp.

Yet, the reigning champions have yet to resemble the dominant force that lifted the trophy last season. A win against the league leaders would certainly reaffirm their title ambitions and signal an end to their recent struggles. Furthermore, Napoli's historical prowess in the Derby del Sole provides a psychological edge.

Match Preview

Roma

Roma boasts a commendable record against Napoli at home, remaining unbeaten in three of their past four league encounters (W1, D2), with a solitary 1-0 loss back in October 2022 blemishing their recent history. This context offers a glimmer of hope as they eye redemption against a team that has only triumphed once in their last 11 matchmaking incidents across all venues (D4, L6).

Under Gasperini, Roma has enjoyed their most fruitful Serie A start since the 2018/19 season. A gritty 2-1 victory over Midtjylland in the Europa League this week lifted spirits within the camp, making it six wins in their last seven competitive outings (L1).

However, one concern persists—Roma's sluggish starts have seen them net just two of their seven league goals at home before halftime this season. Gasperini will be keen to see his side seize control early, aiming to snap a three-match winless run against Napoli (D2, L1).

Napoli

Despite a rocky beginning to the campaign (W8, D1, L3), Napoli remains firmly in the Scudetto race, sitting just two points adrift of Roma. Their impressive home record (W5, D1) has kept them relevant, but they have experienced significant inconsistency on the road.

Antonio Conte’s men have secured only three victories from their six away fixtures, with one of those wins coming at the expense of Bologna in a disappointing 2-0 loss last time out. This troubling trend underscores their vulnerability outside the revered walls of the Diego Maradona Stadium, having suffered five losses in their last six away games (W1).

As they approach yet another challenging match, Napoli must quell doubts about their mental fortitude in adversarial environments. Moreover, they are desperate for their first away league goal from open play since September, having netted just one in their past four Serie A visits to Roma.

Team News

Roma has welcomed back the talents of Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey from injury, with Dybala expected to lead the line in Artem Dovbyk's absence. However, Gasperini will also be without first-choice left-back Angelino, sidelined due to illness, leaving Wesley to likely step into the role.

Conversely, Napoli faces a substantial injury crisis, featuring the absences of stalwarts Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Billy Gilmour, Miguel Gutierrez, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Alex Meret. In light of these challenges, Noa Lang and David Neres have quickly become Napoli's attackers of choice, and both are set to play vital roles in tonight's clash.

Roma vs Napoli Potential Starting Lineups

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Wesley; Soule, Pellegrini; Dybala.

Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Neres, Lang; Hojlund.

Roma vs Napoli Prediction

Given Roma's strengthened defensive capabilities under Gasperini and Napoli's ongoing struggles to find the back of the net on the road, this match could very well evolve into a tactical stalemate. The hosts thrive in such gritty affairs, with four of their nine league victories coming via a narrow 1-0 margin. Nevertheless, a hard-fought draw seems the most likely outcome in this high-pressure encounter.

Prediction: Draw