AS Roma and Napoli meet on Sunday night in a match where the home side enters with a real opportunity to take advantage of Napoli’s significant squad issues.
Roma strong at home and tactically stable
Roma continue to show confidence and structure at home this season. Their performances in front of their supporters are consistent, built on disciplined defending and well-timed attacking transitions. The team rarely loses control in such matches and is generally comfortable in low-to-medium-tempo games. These factors naturally give Roma an edge when facing an opponent arriving with major personnel absences.
Napoli weakened in midfield, Gasperini suspended
Napoli travel to Rome with considerable problems - especially in the heart of midfield. Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined, and Frank Anguissa recently joined the injury list, leaving the team without its two primary engines for control and balance. This weakens Napoli’s ability to dictate rhythm or protect the defence in key moments. Adding to the challenge, Gian Piero Gasperini will not be on the touchline due to suspension, a significant factor considering his influence on Napoli’s in-game management and structural adjustments.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Roma’s superior organisation and Napoli’s midfield shortages point to a game played at a measured tempo, with long spells of tactical caution on both sides. Roma can edge the match thanks to their home strength and Napoli’s limitations, yet the absence of rhythm-setters in Napoli’s midfield also reduces the likelihood of an open, high-scoring affair. With both teams expected to prioritise compactness and minimise mistakes, Under 2.5 goals is the most logical prediction for this encounter.
