Napoli vs Roma – News and Probable Lineups

Both vying for a top-four spot in Serie A, reigning champions Napoli will host Roma this Sunday night, as the two southern rivals meet at Stadio Maradona.

After their midweek cup defeat, the Partenopei approach this season’s second Derby del Sole aware that another loss would allow the visitors to equal their points tally.

Match overview

Despite already being eliminated from Europe, continuing his poor record in international competition, head coach Antonio Conte is still aiming for a clean sweep of all three domestic trophies in his initial two seasons with Napoli.

After last season’s Scudetto and their Supercoppa Italiana victory in December, his squad was looking to set up a Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter de Milão when they faced the high-flying Como on Tuesday.

However, Cesc Fabregas and his teammates eliminated Conte’s side from the cup, prevailing 7-6 in a thrilling penalty shootout: Romelu Lukaku missed his attempt, and Stanislav Lobotka had the final penalty saved, leaving Napoli to focus on their pursuit of a top-four finish in Serie A.

This pursuit will intensify on Sunday, with consecutive wins recently solidifying their hold on third place; while first place may still be contested, the Milan clubs currently leading the league are favorites.

After a tense victory over Fiorentina at home, the champions had to dig deep to secure a win last week at a revitalized Genoa.

Having overturned an early setback, the situation started to deteriorate – key player Scott McTominay was forced off with injury, and Juan Jesus received a red card – but Rasmus Hojlund’s controversial late penalty ultimately sealed the match at Stadio Ferraris.

Currently, Napoli remains unbeaten in 22 home league matches – their longest such streak since the successful period of the late 1980s – as they prepare for the Derby del Sole, hoping to replicate their earlier victory in Rome this season.

Whether at home or away, Roma has managed to secure only one victory in their last 12 league encounters with Napoli, with no wins in Naples since 2017.

Nevertheless, the capital side could level on points this weekend, having reignited their top-four challenge on Monday night.

After going three games without a victory, Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad welcomed an in-form Cagliari to Stadio Olimpico, where Donyell Malen’s doubles were sufficient to secure the win for the home side.

With 46 points after 24 Serie A matches, Roma is enjoying their best tally in eight years, and their strong defensive record remains intact with yet another clean sheet.

They have not only allowed the fewest goals (14) in Italy’s top division but also remain the only team not to concede a penalty, reflecting their discipline under the strict management of Gasperini.

Consequently, the Giallorossi are in a favorable position to secure a long-awaited return to the Champions League – although Napoli, Juventus, Como, and Atalanta are also vying for it.

However, Roma has only managed to earn a single point from five matches against Serie A’s current top five teams, scoring just twice; in contrast, defending champions Napoli typically perform well against strong opposition, amassing an impressive 10 points from six fixtures.

Team News

After missing Napoli’s cup elimination against Como, McTominay is anticipated to make a recovery by Sunday, providing Conte with some much-needed good news.

The Scottish player’s presence is crucial, especially with long-term absentees Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, and Billy Gilmour, along with captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and winger David Neres – who netted the sole goal against Roma in November – all sidelined in the crowded treatment area at Castel Volturno.

Following a red card received last week, Juan Jesus will serve a suspension and will be unavailable against his former team, but former Roma players Lukaku and Leonardo Spinazzola are both expected to play.

Lukaku is still working towards regaining match fitness after a lengthy absence, so Hojlund will again be at the forefront of Napoli’s attack: he finally broke his Serie A duck for 2026 by scoring a brace against Genoa.

Meanwhile, another Premier League-loaned player should spearhead Roma’s offensive line, as Malen scored twice against Cagliari.

Having recovered from a minor knee issue, Paulo Dybala could team up with the Dutch striker, possibly pushing Lorenzo Pellegrini to the bench.

The Giallorossi’s injury list still includes key midfielder Manu Kone, alongside Stephan El Shaarawy, Evan Ferguson, and Artem Dovbyk, while Robino Vaz and Mario Hermoso might be ready to return.

Napoli probable starting XI:

Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Good Morning; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara, Elmas; Hojlund

Roma probable starting XI:

Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soule, Dybala; Malen

This match could present a strategically tight encounter between two tactical maestros, likely resulting in a low-scoring draw.

Roma usually concedes no more than once, whereas Napoli has struggled to maintain clean sheets, suggesting that the points may be shared at Stadio Maradona.