Napoli vs Roma – News and Probable Lineups

After securing victories midweek, southern clubs Napoli and Roma will clash at Stadio Maradona this Saturday evening for the first Derby del Sole of the season.

Despite both teams netting four goals each during their Champions League fixtures on Tuesday, Napoli currently trails Roma by seven points in Serie A, following a series of underwhelming results in the league.

Match overview

Having struggled to meet expectations, Napoli faced increased pressure earlier this week as they attempted to bounce back from consecutive defeats.

While losing to Villarreal in the Champions League was disappointing, the loss to a winless Venezia was especially troubling for the fans in Naples.

After Kevin De Bruyne missed a penalty during the match against the struggling side, relief was felt when Napoli emerged victorious in a thrilling 7-goal encounter against Bodo/Glimt.

Although Napoli allowed Bodo to equalize twice at the Maradona, they ultimately secured the win, helped by Scott McTominay’s two goals.

Even with the club achieving its 100th European victory, head coach Max Allegri is still facing scrutiny, with his team sitting in ninth place in Italy’s top division.

Trying to maintain a positive outlook during a tough period, Napoli has managed to keep clean sheets in their last two home matches in Serie A – and they will look to build on that historical advantage on Saturday.

As the home side, Napoli has not lost to Roma in their last eight league encounters, representing their best streak in this matchup since the early 1980s.

However, current form indicates that Roma could be poised to break their long absence of wins at the Maradona, having started the season strongly.

Roma has accumulated 17 points in Serie A – their highest tally after seven matches since 2014 – following a recent 2-0 win against Genoa.

Santiago Castro’s skillful improvised finish opened the scoring, with Emanuele Lulli adding his first senior goal, positioning the capital side just behind league leaders Inter and their local rivals Lazio.

They then rebounded from a dramatic loss to Real Madrid, where they were ahead until eight minutes remaining, by decisively defeating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Champions League action.

Top scorer Donyell Malen confidently converted a penalty as the Giallorossi claimed their second victory at Stadio Olimpico, moving to four points from three matches so far.

While they face a challenge in reaching the knockout stage – with double champions Paris Saint-Germain as their next opponent – Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad must quickly shift their focus back to Serie A.

With the best defensive record in Italy, and having yet to concede an away goal this season, Roma now aims for their first victory in Naples in over eight years.

Team News

Following their breakthrough in Europe, Napoli will likely make minimal changes to their lineup, although Stanislav Lobotka, Sam Beukema, and Benoit Badiashile will all be eager for a recall this weekend.

Allegri is still missing Alessandro Buongiorno, David Neres, Costantino Favasuli, and Alisson Santos due to injuries, but Antonio Vergara has recently returned to training and may feature.

Expected to lead the attack, Rasmus Hojlund has faced Roma before, playing 223 minutes without scoring a Serie A goal, and has netted only twice for Napoli this season.

On the other hand, Malen has found the net nine times in as many club appearances thus far; however, his preferred striking partner will be absent, as Paulo Dybala remains sidelined with a calf injury.

Roma will also be without pivotal players due to injuries: Manu Kone (thigh) and Mile Svilar (toe) have been ruled out.

Lorenzo Pellegrini added to Gasperini’s problems by sustaining a new injury midweek, although Bryan Cristante is now back in full training.

Napoli probable starting XI:

Meret; Beukema, Marin, Rrahmani; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Politano, De Bruyne; Hojlund

Roma probable starting XI:

Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Beautiful; Lulli, De Roon, Piscilli, Wesley; Soule, Son; Malen

While Roma will be without key players due to injury, Gasperini’s fluid side appears to have greater cohesion than Allegri’s Napoli.

Thus, it may be time for the Giallorossi to secure a win in a Derby del Sole down in Campania, potentially keeping them close to the top of Serie A.