Roma face Napoli in the Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, hoping to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.
They defeated Cremonese 3-1 in their last league fixture, becoming outright table-toppers after Inter Milan lost 1-0 to AC Milan.
Napoli also won 3-1 at home against Atalanta to sit joint-second on the table, two points adrift of Roma.
Match preview
The last time Roma were outright table-toppers was after Matchday 10 in the 2015/2016 season.
The Giallorossi have not been prolific, ranking sixth for goals scored (15), but boast a strong defence, conceding just six goals, the fewest in the division.
However, they have struggled against the league’s biggest teams, losing to Inter and Milan. Beating Napoli would send a message that they can compete against the heavyweights.
Roma will look to Napoli’s shaky defence, which has conceded 11 goals. However, they also need to be wary of the defending champions’ attack.
Napoli have kept themselves in the title race, despite injuries to star striker Romelu Lukaku and summer signing Kevin De Bruyne.
They rank third for goals scored (19), but have shown defensive vulnerabilities that must be resolved if they are to retain the title.
Napoli can exploit Roma’s struggles against counter-attacks, as the hosts have conceded three goals from such threats, the second-highest in the league.
Head-to-head
Roma have won 66, drawn 58 and lost 54 of their previous meetings with Napoli.
Team news
Artem Dovbyk and Angelino are sidelined for Roma, while Neil El Aynaoui and Manu Kone are doubts.
Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Miguel Gutierrez join Lukaku and De Bruyne on the sidelines for Napoli.
Key players
Roma
Matias Soule: Leads the squad for most goals (four) and assists (two).
Mile Svilar: One of the league’s best goalkeepers this term, ranking second for goals prevented.
Napoli
Scott McTominay: The division’s best player last term has four goal involvements this season.
Matteo Politano: He has created more big chances and completed more dribbles than any Napoli player.
Stats from transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com.
