As Roma Vs Napoli Match Preview and Prediction

By John


 A sold-out Stadio Olimpico will play host to the 155th Serie A (SA) Derby del Sole between Roma and an ominous-looking Napoli, with the visitors still unbeaten this campaign and looking for a sixth consecutive positive H2H result against the side from the Italian capital (W3, D2). José Mourinho's men have shown fighting spirit recently however, ending the last round inside the SA top four after winning at Sampdoria 1-0 despite injuries to key players.


It has been all or nothing for Roma at home this term (W4, L2), and with just one victory from their last six home meetings with Napoli (D1, L4) Roma fans might have reason to be concerned. However, the Giallorossi have shown some strong league form here, losing just two SA home games since the turn of the year (W7, D4) so Mourinho may look to whip up passionate support to get his side over the line again after saying he was "ashamed" of the refereeing against Roma in a heated 1-1 draw the last time these sides met.


Napoli beat Bologna 3-2 last Sunday for a tenth consecutive competitive victory, whilst also stretching their current unbeaten start (W8, D2) to keep them top of the table heading into the round. The Partenopei have already produced some incredible numbers this term, with some fans already starting to dream of the Scudetto returning to Mount Vesuvius after more than 30 years of pain.


One of those impressive figures is found in the visitors' 202 shot attempts across 14 competitive matches this term, which has been only bettered by Bayern Munich (206) amongst teams from the top five European leagues. Napoli's threat comes from all over the pitch too, with 15 different players getting on the scoresheet this season, the most from any team in major European competition, whilst seven of their 25 SA goals have been scored by a substitute, so Roma may have to remain on their toes here!


Players to watch: With Paulo Dybala injured, defender Chris Smalling will likely take to the field as Roma's top SA scorer this term with each of his three goals coming via his head. For the visitors, Matteo Politano has picked up a goal and an assist within his three H2Hs since his move to Napoli, and three of his four competitive goals this season have arrived after the break.

Fottennis Prediction: As Roma 0 Napoli 0

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