The Stadio Olimpico will play host for a fierce encounter this Sunday. Both clubs are considered as two of the most popular teams in Italy, as they are set to battle for a European place. You can’t write a better scenario for a derby. So who’s it going to be? This is Roma Vs Napoli – The Derby Del Sole.
Match Preview
Both teams head into this derby tied in 5th place with 50 points each. However, Napoli have a slight advatange as they still have a game in hand. I Partenopei have won five of their last eight Serie A matches against AS Roma, including the most recent two. I Giallorossi could lose three games in a row against the Azzurri in the top-flight for the first time since 1976. Can they stop that from happening? Let’s analyse the match and see what to expect from both sides.
AS Roma
We start with the hosts, who despite their recent loss, still have a chance to contend for a top 4 finish. La Lupa’s 2-0 defeat against Parma was a bit shocking, especially since they were on a 2 games winning streak. In fact, they have lost 4 of their last 10 league games (W5 D1), as many defeats as in the previous 26 games. It’s a worrying form if you’re a Roma fan. Nonetheless, they are still within touching distance from the 4th spot, so anything can still happen.
On the bright side, The Giallorossi won 2-1 in Kiev to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory over Shakhtar Donetsk to book a place in the Quarter Final. Which means that the Europa League is still an option for them, as they are the only Italian team left in this competition. After the weekend defeat in Serie A, the performance and result was much needed going into Sunday’s huge meeting with Napoli. Borja Mayoral was they key man in the win, scoring his sixth and seventh goals of the competition. Can he keep his run going in the league as well?
SSC Napoli
Gli Azzurri head into this game with a great form, as they are undefeated in their last 4 games, while securing a huge win away at Milan. In addition, they have a good record against Roma as they have won five of their last eight league matches, including the last two. With a game still in hand, against a direct competitor in Juventus, Napoli can still defy all odds and finish the season in the top 3. However, it all start on Sunday with a crucial derby against Roma.
One of the Partenopei’s main man this season is Piotr Zielinski. He’s one of just three midfielders to have scored at least six goals and registered at least six assists this season in Serie A. The other one is Mkhitaryan, who will go head to head against him on Sunday and Milinkovic-Savic. Can he maintain his form and help Napoli finish the season strong? We shall see.
Team News
Fonesca will have to deal with several missing players heading into this one. Juan Jesus, Mkhitaryan, Smalling, Veretout and Zaniolo are all out. In addition, Bruno Peres will also be out as he is banned.
As for Napoli, Di Lorenzo will have to serve his ban against Roma, which means probably Hysag will replace him. Petagna, Ghoulam, and Rrahmani are all sidelined with injuries. On the bright side, Lozano returned to the team but is not 100% fit to start.
Prediction & Current Odds
Roma Vs Napoli – The Derby Del Sole. Bottom line is, we expect both teams to go for the win here. Napoli might play it safe as they still have a game in hand. However, Roma will feel like they have to secure the 3 points at home. In other words, we expect this to be an open game with goals in it. Given their current form, Napoli should have a slight advantage to secure at least a point in the derby. Here are the betting odds for the game:
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.66
- Napoli Win/Draw: 1.50
- Both Teams To Score: 1.53
Stay up to date with bet365.
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