Roma vs. Napoli: Serie A Match Preview

Piece by piece, Roma is rounding into form. The Giallorossi are still quite a ways away from contending for Champions League football in Serie A, but the performances are starting to get just a touch more consistent, just a touch more positive. The midweek win against Eintracht Frankfurt, combined with recent positive results in the league, suggest that the worst may be behind us for this season from hell. I Lupi are now operating like the football club we thought they were.

Naturally, this means that Roma are now in line for one of their most challenging matches of the season. The Derby Del Sole doesn’t have the cachet of the Derby Della Capitale, but Roma’s matches against Napoli are always passionate. Given Roma and Lazio’s respective ups and downs over the past decade, the matches against Napoli have been more consistently important for the overall success of Roma’s season than the cross-city clashes.

This season has been particularly strong for I Partenopei, as they currently lead the Serie A standings with 53 points from 22 matches, boasting a record of 17 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. Under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte, Napoli has demonstrated resilience, notably with a recent 2-1 comeback victory over previously unbeaten Juventus. Even with the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, the team has maintained momentum, with former Roma striker Romelu Lukaku once again dominating in Serie A. With Napoli looking to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table, Roma will need to capitalize on their recent improvements to challenge the league leaders effectively.

What to Watch For

Is Artem Dovbyk Beginning to Gel?

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

When Roma secured Artem Dovbyk from Girona last summer, expectations were sky-high. The Ukrainian striker was anticipated to be the finished article from the first minute he donned the Giallorossi jersey, with hopes he might even contend for a capocannoniere title. However, as with many a transition for strikers into Serie A, the initial stages of Dovbyk’s time in Rome were marked by adaptation challenges. His early performances were a mix of promise and inconsistency, leaving fans wondering if Dovbyk would live up to the billing.

Fast forward to the present, and it appears Dovbyk is finally hitting his stride. The striker has found the back of the net in his last three league appearances, showcasing a growing synergy with his teammates. His recent contributions have been pivotal, not just in terms of goals but also in his overall play, indicating a player becoming increasingly comfortable in Claudio Ranieri’s system.

With that recent form in mind, all eyes will be on Dovbyk to see if he can maintain his importance in Roma’s attack against their strongest opponent in months. Napoli boasts a robust defense thanks to Antonio Conte, and Dovbyk’s ability to push through against them makes tomorrow’s match an ideal acid test for the Ukrainian’s newfound form. A strong performance against such a high-caliber opponent would not only bolster Roma’s aspirations but also firmly establish Dovbyk as the striker the Giallorossi faithful had hoped for. The Derby del Sole is always a fixture of passion and intensity. With Dovbyk’s resurgence, Roma might just have the edge they’ve been seeking.

Will Soulé Repay Ranieri’s Trust?

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Roma’s other major attacking signing of the summer was, of course, Matias Soulé. The Argentinian youngster was expected to inject fresh energy into the Giallorossi’s attack, and perhaps pave the way for Roma to survive and thrive in a post-Dybala environment. However, his journey has been anything but straightforward—and not just because Paulo Dybala looks set to stay in Rome for another few seasons. Limited playing time in recent months has led to speculation about his future, with clubs like Fulham expressing interest in a loan deal. Despite these overtures, both Ranieri and Soulé have shown a mutual commitment to his development in Rome.

Recent performances suggest that this patience may yet pay off. In the Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, Soulé made a significant impact off the bench, orchestrating a brilliant solo run that culminated in an assist for Eldor Shomurodov’s goal, sealing a 2-0 victory. This moment of brilliance highlighted the potential that had been eagerly anticipated by fans, Ranieri, and management alike.

As Roma prepares for tomorrow’s match, the question looms: will Soulé repay Ranieri’s trust with even more impact in significant matches? In some ways, there’s no alternative. Nicola Zalewski is set for a loan move to Inter Milan, and with multiple competitions to juggle and Tommaso Baldanzi more in the midfield these days, opportunities on the wing should become more frequent for Soulé. A strong performance against the league leaders could not only solidify his place in the squad but also serve as a turning point in his Roma career. The stage is set for Soulé to showcase his talents and affirm that Ranieri’s faith was well-placed.

Match Details

Date: February 2nd

Kickoff: 20:45 CET/2:45 EST

Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Roma

Referee: Michael Fabbri