Match Preview: Napoli vs AS Roma - Anticipation, Forecasts, and Top Wagers
Sunday at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona: Napoli and Roma square off in a significant Serie A clash. After a disappointing title defense in which they suffered 10 defeats, Napoli are currently in eighth position. Rather, AS Roma are fifth in the league with just two losses in 14 matches under the stewardship of Daniele De Rossi.
Napoli's Form:
The season has been a test for Napoli, who won the Scudetto last season. Despite a six-game unbeaten stretch culminating in a 2-1 victory over Juventus, the team has since lost three consecutive matches. Nominally, a 1-1 draw with Barcelona and a home win over Atalanta were promising; however, losses away to Barcelona (3-1) and at Inter Milan (1-1), followed by a 3-0 home defeat by Atalanta, tarnished their recent form.
Motivation has been a challenge for Napoli. Struggling to string together victories and with players failing to replicate their 2023-24 form, the team is eager for a win against a rival to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Roma's Form:
Since Daniele De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho, Roma have emerged as a stronger team, winning 12 and losing just 2 of their first 14 matches. Their impressive streak includes a 4-0 thrashing of Brighton in the Europa League, a 1-0 Rome derby victory against Lazio, a win at AC Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals, and two victories in the competition's semifinals. However, they suffered a shock 3-1 home defeat against Bologna without Romelu Lukaku. Recovering from this setback, Roma managed a 2-1 win against Udinese in the final minute after the original match was called off.
Team News:
Evidence suggests that Napoli coach Francesco Calzona is committed to the core of his starting lineup. Mathias Oliveira, who is nursing an injury, and January midfield signings Hamed Traore and Leander Dendoncker are not significant factors in Calzona's plans.
For Napoli, Pasquale Mazzocchi may replace Natan at left back. Young striker Cyril Ngonge could see increased minutes after his January move from Verona. Roma, meanwhile, will be without Evan N'Dicka due to a heart scare, while there is uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Romelu Lukaku, who is facing a calf problem. Sardar Azmoun or Tammy Abraham may sub in for Lukaku if he is unavailable.
Predictions:
This fixture is difficult to call decisively. While Napoli have traditionally held the upper hand, having won six of their last eight meetings against Roma, their form is softening. Roma currently appear to be playing better, but the impending midweek Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen may divert their attention. A home victory could be the more likely outcome due to Napoli's motivation and recent domestic success.
From the bookmakers' perspective:- Napoli to win at 1.95- Napoli to win to zero at 3.45- Anytime goalscorer: Victor Osimhen at 2.30
- Napoli and Roma are set to face each other in a crucial Serie A clash on Sunday, with the former aiming to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League.
- Despite a recent three-game losing streak, Napoli have shown promising signs, such as a 2-1 victory over Juventus, but their form has been inconsistent.
- On the other hand, Roma, under the leadership of Daniele De Rossi, have been impressive, winning 12 and losing just 2 of their first 14 matches.
- With Evan N'Dicka out due to a heart scare and Romelu Lukaku's calf problem casting doubt on his availability, Roma may face challenges, while Pasquale Mazzocchi and Cyril Ngonge could potentially feature for Napoli.
