Big big game and not with the best timing, considering we have the crafty Shakhtar in 4 days. At least we don't have to travel far for both matches.
Loria might get a game! :scared:
Loria might get a game! :scared:
The stakes are high when Roma host Napoli on Saturday for the Derby del Sole with both teams battling to keep their respective dreams alive.
It was a defeat to Roma 18 months ago that prompted Napoli to sack Roberto Donadoni and bring in Walter Mazzarri. The turnaround has been nothing short of sensational with Napoli now in second place just three points behind League leaders Milan.
February is to be a crucial month in Napoli’s calendar and will go some way to deciding where they can finish this season. The resumption of the Europa League and a tie with Villarreal mean Napoli’s fixture list is more congested than usual.
All of which makes coming away from the Stadio Olimpico with a positive result even more important. Napoli’s mantra is that of posing no limits on themselves, but a relatively small squad means there is a risk of burnout.
Roma are far better equipped for the run-in, but Sunday’s 5-3 defeat to Inter at San Siro dealt a blow to the club’s ambitions. Claudio Ranieri’s side slipped to seventh in the table, albeit with a game in hand on most of their rivals, and are now 10 points adrift of League leaders Milan.
The suspensions of Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso also give the Tinkerman a selection headache ahead of this weekend’s game. Reports in the capital suggest Ranieri is toying with the idea of dropping Daniele De Rossi into defence rather than fielding the error-prone Simone Loria. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for facing the most prolific attacking trident in Serie A.
Keep an eye on: Edinson Cavani (Napoli) – Six of Cavani’s 18 goals in Serie A this season have come away from home, so Roma will be hoping that the Uruguay international striker leaves his shooting boots at the San Paolo.
Last five in Serie A: Roma (L W W D L) Napoli (D W W L W)
Last season: Roma 2-1 Napoli
Top tip: Roma’s top scorer Marco Borriello is playing against his hometown club. He's as likely to score as Cavani...
Stat fact: Roma have only kept one clean sheet in their last five encounters with Napoli.
Roma (probable): Julio Sergio; Cassetti, Juan, Loria, Riise; Taddei, De Rossi, Simplicio; Perrotta; Totti, Borriello
Napoli (probable): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Pazienza, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani
Ref: Bergonzi
