Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
In a showdown between two Italian giants, Roma and Napoli will meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night.
Roma
Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have found themselves at the heart of a public crisis when opening up the 2024/25 campaign, the Wolves have enjoyed a sensational resurge since Claudio Ranieri’s emotional return back in December. Turning a real corner on either side of Italy’s festive break, the former Leicester boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Last seen earlier in the week officially booking a Europa League play-off ticket thanks to a 2-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, Roma will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Getting the New Year underway with a stellar 2-0 win against arch-rivals Lazio, Sunday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
Roma Team News
Set to complete a switch to German champions Bayer Leverkusen over the coming days, Spanish defender Mario Hermoso will not feature on Sunday night. However, ahead of a heavyweight showdown at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Finding the net in each of his previous three Serie A appearances, former Girona striker Artem Dovbyk will lead the line alongside Paulo Dybala here. While veteran defender Mats Hummels might have turned 36 last month, the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace will start at the back.
Napoli
As for the visitors, while Napoli might have endured an infamous Serie A nightmare last season, the Azzurri have embarked on another fairytale this time around. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, Antonio Conte’s side are riding a major wave of momentum. Last seen claiming another heavyweight scalp as they clinched a 2-1 victory at home against Juventus, the former Tottenham boss finds his squad pencilled in as a leading title contender in 2025. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway holding a three-point buffer over the chasing pack, Napoli have now won each of their previous seven consecutive Serie A appearances. Marking their return from Italy’s festive break with a 3-0 romp away at Fiorentina, Sunday’s guests have also impressed with their clinical performances in the final third.
Napoli Team News
While Uruguayan defender Mathias Olivera might have missed out against Juventus last weekend, Napoli are hopeful that the former Getafe star will return to Conte’s squad here. While Philip Billing might have arrived from Bournemouth on an initial loan switch, the Danish international will settle for a spot on the bench.
Now finding the net in three of his previous four Serie A appearances, ex-Roma marksman Romelu Lukaku will play a leading role on his return to the Stadio Olimpico. Making an immediate impact since arriving from Manchester United last summer, Scotland international Scott McTominay will start in the middle of the park.
Roma vs Napoli Key Factors to Consider
- When Roma and Napoli met for their reverse Serie A showdown on November 24th, the Azzurri collected a 1-0 victory in Naples.
- Napoli have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 consecutive meetings against the Wolves.
- Conte’s side have won each of their previous seven consecutive Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 16-5.
- Sunday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Roma have won all of their last seven straight showdowns at the Stadio Olimpico.
Conclusion
Two sides who find the moods in their respective camps at real highs, we could be treated to a real thriller on Sunday night. While Napoli might have remarkably won all of their previous seven Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 16-5, the title contenders will meet a Roma squad who are enjoying their own extended flurry. With the Wolves continuing to gain a fearsome reputation for their dominance at the Stadio Olimico, we are expecting chances to fall at both ends of the pitch this weekend.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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