Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker:
In a real battle between two Italian giants this weekend, Napoli will make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico and face off against Roma on Sunday evening.
Starting with the hosts, while Roma might have enjoyed an immediate boost when they appointed Jose Mourinho over the summer, the Giallorossi are showing some worrying signs of a struggle. Putting in what was a woeful display on Europa Conference League duties earlier in the week, the former Manchester United boss saw his side get hit with a stunning 6-1 defeat against little known Norweigan outfit Bodø / Glimt. Suffering his worst European managerial defeat in what has been a record-break career, Mourinho will be demanding a response on Sunday evening. Only managing to mark their return from October s international break with a 1-0 loss against Juventus in Turin, Roma have collected just six points from their last five Serie A outings. With that run highlighted by an action-packed 3-2 defeat against bitter rivals Lazio last month, Mourinho s side should also be worried by their recent record against Napoli. Including a 2-0 loss when they welcomed Sunday s guests to the Stadio Olimpico back in March, they have lost each of their last three straight meetings against the Blues.
Team News
Roma will once again be without Italian international defender Leonardo Spinazzola on Sunday evening. Likewise, Jose Mourinho s side are also sweating over the fitness of former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
The duo of Nicolo Zaniolo and Dutch right-back Rick Karsdorp could face late fitness tests.
Napoli
As for the visitors, while Roma might have been hit with a European nightmare earlier in the week, Napoli find themselves enjoying what has been a stellar purple patch. Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 win against Legia Warsaw on Europa League duties, Gli Azzurri have continued to gain a host of plaudits from across the continent. Really finding their feet under new boss Luciano Spalletti and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Blues have stormed their way to the top of the Serie A table. In fact, showing no signs of slowing down, Napoli are the only side from across Europe s top-tiers who can boast a 100% start to the 2021/22 campaign. Last seen on Serie A action picking up a 1-0 win against Torino on home soil, the former Inter Milan boss has seen his side win each of their first eight top-flight contests. Given their rampant record against Sunday s opponents, there is no doubt that Napoli will be looking to lay down another marker on their travels.
Team News
Napoli look to once again be without the trio of Kostas Manolas, Adam Ounas and French left-back Kevin Malcuit.
However, coming through Thursday s Europa League victory unscathed, Luciano Spalletti has no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Key Factors to Consider
