Overview
AS Roma have been in impressive form recently. Coach Claudio Ranieri's team have lost just one of their last nine matches in all competitions. Last weekend, Roma came from behind to beat Udinese away from home. In the Europa League, they also beat Frankfurt to qualify for the next round.
Roma have moved up to ninth in Serie A and are just six points off the European places, a commendable effort after a poor start to the season.
However, Roma will face a challenge in their next match against Napoli. Napoli have consistently faced top teams such as Atalanta, Juventus and Fiorentina without knowing defeat. They are still the leading team in Serie A.
Napoli have not lost an away game in Serie A since their opening day defeat to Verona. They are now unbeaten in 10 games, including eight wins.
The history of confrontation is also witnessing Napoli's superiority when they won 6, drew 3 and lost 1 in the last 10 meetings. With their current high form, Napoli will not have much difficulty winning all 3 points right at Olimpico.
Romelu Lukaku has an impressive record against former club Roma, scoring the winning goal for Napoli in their last meeting. This season, the Belgian striker has scored against three of the top six teams in the league, including Juventus, Atalanta and Fiorentina.
Human resources situation
Roma will be without defender Mario Hermoso, who is close to completing a move to Bayer Leverkusen. However, they have no further injury concerns ahead of the clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
On the other side of the front line, Mathias Olivera could return to the squad. Meanwhile, new signing Philip Billing is expected to sit on the bench.
Expected lineup:
Roma: Svilar, Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka, Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino, Dybala, Pellegrini, Dovbyk.
Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Spinazzola, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Politano, Lukaku, Neres.
The match between Roma and Napoli takes place at 2:45 a.m. on February 3 (Vietnam time).
