Prediction: Roma vs Napoli

Verdict: Roma draw no bet

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what is a heavyweight Serie A showdown on Saturday night, Roma will welcome Napoli to the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma

Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have enjoyed an eye-catching flurry when returning from November’s international break, Jose Mourinho’s men came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Putting in a toothless display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Bologna, the former Manchester United boss is desperate for his squad to find some crucial domestic stability. Although the Giallorossi might have cruised their way to the Europa League knockout stage without breaking much of a sweat, Roma have failed to record back-to-back victories since the end of October. Nevertheless, hoping to make up some ground in the top-six chase here, Mourinho’s side should be excited by their continued success on home soil. In fact, on a run that stems all the way back to September 1st, Saturday’s hosts have collected 25 points from their last nine showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Roma will once again be without the likes of Houssem Aouar, Marash Kumbulla, Chris Smalling and former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. Likewise, suffering from a recent muscle injury, Mourinho’s men are once again sweating over the fitness of Paulo Dybala.

Still serving a suspension, Roma will be unable to call upon attacking talisman Romelu Lukaku on Saturday night. However, returning from his own respective one-match ban this weekend, Poland international Nicola Zalewski will feature in Mourinho’s squad here.

Napoli

As for the visitors, while Napoli might have made real Serie A history last season as they claimed a first domestic crown since 1990, the defending champions find themselves in the midst of a public struggle. Shockingly crashing out of the Coppa Italia earlier in the week following an infamous 4-0 drumming at home against Frosinone, it appears there is already mounting pressure on Walter Mazzarri’s shoulders. Drastically failing to find any kind of domestic stability since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the Azzurri now face a real battle in their bid to claim another Champions League ticket in the New Year. Winning just a trio of their previous nine appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to November 11th – the former Watford boss will also have a mounting headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. Losing back-to-back showdowns outside of Naples by an aggregate score of 5-2, Saturday’s guests have also mustered just a single clean sheet since returning from November’s international break.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since November 25th, Napoli will once again be without former Getafe defender Mathias Olivera on Saturday night. Likewise, suffering from a recent muscle blow, Mazzarri is sweating over the fitness of North Macedonia international Eljif Elmas.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek, attacking talisman Victor Osimhen will certainly be handed a full recall here. Despite bagging just a single strike in his previous six appearances, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia should partner Osimhen in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Roma and Napoli last met back on January 29th, the reigning Serie A champions picked up a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Napoli are unbeaten in all of their previous seven straight meetings against Roma across all competitions.
• However, the Giallorossi have collected 25 points from their previous nine home fixtures across all formats.
• Napoli have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last five Serie A appearances.
• Three of Roma’s last four showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Napoli might be unbeaten in all of their previous seven straight meetings against Saturday’s hosts, Roma should be smelling the chance to claim an immediate response here. Continuing to shine at the Stadio Olimpico and collecting 25 points from their last nine home fixtures across all competitions, Mourinho’s men should be confident of cashing in on a Napoli squad who are enduring a major domestic struggle. Crashing out of the Coppa Italia in midweek thanks to a 4-0 drumming at home against Frosinone, we are backing a home draw no bet.

Verdict: Roma draw no bet

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet