Cristante starts in the hole for Roma at Napoli; Lulli set to sign contract renewal on Monday

Roma will rely on Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora to supply creativity in the attacking third for the big match at the Maradona against Napoli, with Paulo Dybala still sidelined. Soulé has already scored two goals and provided an assist so far this season. Mora, a 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder who arrived for a significant investment, has shown flashes of quality interspersed with some quieter spells, and this fixture represents his first real test of maturity. Their main job will be to play in Donyell Malen, who returns from suspension and remains, in the words of the report, the true talisman of Gasperini's Roma. The Dutch forward goes back to the stadium where, a year ago, he scored a memorable double. Gasperini hopes to have Bryan Cristante available from the start. If he is fit, Cristante could partner Marten de Roon in midfield, allowing Niccolò Pisilli to push forward into the attacking third alongside Soulé. At the back, the starting trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso is set to reform. On the flanks, Wesley is confirmed at left-back, while Emanuele Lulli is the favourite to start ahead of Nahuel Molina on the right. The absence of Dybala and the return of Malen give Gasperini a clear shape to work with, but the match will also show how far Soulé and Mora can carry the attacking load on the road to one of the toughest venues in Serie A.

Andrea Stramaccioni previewed Napoli against Roma, highlighting the current mood at the Giallorossi and the demands of the fixture. Speaking about the side's position in the table, he said: "La Roma è un gruppo pieno di entusiasmo che di certezze ne ha molte, ma per stare lassù deve vincere partite come questa" ("Roma is a group full of enthusiasm that has plenty of certainties, but to stay up there it must win matches like this one"). Stramaccioni reserved special praise for Donyell Malen. He said: "La sua mezzaluna di smarcamento, il primo controllo orientato e la velocità mi ricordano, con i debiti paragoni, i movimenti di Shevchenko" ("His crescent-shaped run to get free, his first touch taken on the turn and his pace remind me, with the due comparisons, of the movements of Shevchenko"). On the key to the match, he added: "Saranno dieci duelli delicati. Il controllo passerà dal centrocampo e occhio alle transizioni" ("There will be ten delicate duels. Control will pass through midfield and we must watch out for the transitions"). The fixture also pits two very different ownership models against each other. Aurelio De Laurentiis has built Napoli around self-sufficiency, while Dan Friedkin has backed Roma directly with huge investment. According to the report, Friedkin is said to have spent a total of 1.06 billion euros from summer 2020 to December 2025, of which 824 million went towards running the club. Forbes puts Friedkin's personal fortune at 12.8 billion dollars. Roma's accounts remain in loss, although the deficit has been progressively reduced in recent financial years.

Roma travel to Naples to face Napoli at the Maradona in a big-match clash, and coach Gian Piero Gasperini must still do without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. Cristante and Donyell Malen are back, with Cristante pushing for a starting place in the three-quarter role, where he is locked in a battle with Rodrigo Mora. Malen is described as an undisputed fixture in the Giallorossi attack. Evan N'Dicka returns to the back line, and Emanuele Lulli is expected at right-back. The Italian newspapers largely agree on the shape Gasperini is likely to use. Corriere dello Sport and La Repubblica both predict a 3-4-2-1 with Soulé and Mora behind Malen, while Gazzetta dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera go with a 3-4-1-2 featuring Cristante in the hole. Tuttosport also backs a 3-4-2-1 but keeps Pisilli in midfield alongside de Roon. Across the predictions, Francesco Gollini is in goal, with Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso alongside N'Dicka in a back three, and Wesley and Lulli providing width. The four players ruled out are a significant absence for a side looking to secure a result in a fixture of this profile. Gasperini's selection options are shaped by the return of Cristante, Malen and N'Dicka, and by the continuing fight between Cristante and Mora for a central attacking berth.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio pundits on Radio Radio have weighed in on Roma's selection dilemmas ahead of their upcoming fixture against Napoli, with former player Pruzzo and commentator Carina among those offering views. Orsi said Napoli are a strong side despite appearing to struggle, and that Roma must take advantage while staying fully focused. He said he would not give up on Lulli and De Roon, and that De Roon should have a fixed place because he best interprets his role. If Cristante does not play today, he will play on Wednesday, because De Roon cannot play seven matches in a row. Orsi added that Cristante playing in attack raises some doubts about his mobility, though there are no problems with his tactical intelligence. Pruzzo said: "Lulli deserves the renewal. Mora is not ready: he should show important signs, given what was paid for him. However, the season deserves a lot of attention." Carina described a battle for a place between Cristante and Mora. He noted that Gasperini has kept Trigoria closed off and has not spoken publicly, which he attributed to the coach having already talked a lot, adding that Gasperini prefers to speak when the team loses rather than when it wins. Carina said Lulli is preferred to Molina on the flank and that Lulli will be tied down until 2031, having still been under a youth contract. He said: "I expect Castro close to Malen, and perhaps the 3-5-2, because you can't play with two strikers? However, it's my opinion." Sabatini said Napoli have withdrawn from the race for the top places, with their aim now a top-four finish, and that they face a side with more unavailable players than usual for the first time. He said that if Napoli were to lose, the situation would be very tense. For Roma, he added, a non-win would still be interesting given the emergency. He said there is more pressure on Napoli. Amterà said he was surprised that Gasperini did not hold his press conference, adding: "I don't know if there is a reason. But he is someone who has always spoken before the big matches."

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio pundits on Radio Radio have weighed in on Roma's selection dilemmas ahead of their upcoming fixture against Napoli, with former player Pruzzo and commentator Carina among those offering views. Orsi said Napoli are a strong side despite appearing to struggle, and that Roma must take advantage while staying fully focused. He said he would not give up on Lulli and De Roon, and that De Roon should have a fixed place because he best interprets his role. If Cristante does not play today, he will play on Wednesday, because De Roon cannot play seven matches in a row. Orsi added that Cristante playing in attack raises some doubts about his mobility, though there are no problems with his tactical intelligence. Pruzzo said: "Lulli deserves the renewal. Mora is not ready: he should show important signs, given what was paid for him. However, the season deserves a lot of attention." Carina described a battle for a place between Cristante and Mora. He noted that Gasperini has kept Trigoria closed off and has not spoken publicly, which he attributed to the coach having already talked a lot, adding that Gasperini prefers to speak when the team loses rather than when it wins. Carina said Lulli is preferred to Molina on the flank and that Lulli will be tied down until 2031, having still been under a youth contract. He said: "I expect Castro close to Malen, and perhaps the 3-5-2, because you can't play with two strikers? However, it's my opinion." Sabatini said Napoli have withdrawn from the race for the top places, with their aim now a top-four finish, and that they face a side with more unavailable players than usual for the first time. He said that if Napoli were to lose, the situation would be very tense. For Roma, he added, a non-win would still be interesting given the emergency. He said there is more pressure on Napoli. Amterà said he was surprised that Gasperini did not hold his press conference, adding: "I don't know if there is a reason. But he is someone who has always spoken before the big matches."

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.

Roma are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation for tonight's trip to the Maradona to face Napoli, kicking off at 18:00. Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to rely on players who featured in recent matches. Gollini is set to start in goal, with Mancini, Ndicka and Hermoso forming the back three. Emanuele Lulli is increasingly likely to be confirmed on the right flank, with Wesley on the opposite side. In midfield, the most probable pairing is De Roon and Pisilli. Further forward, Gasperini appears inclined to use Cristante in an advanced role alongside Soulé, leaving Donyell Malen to lead the line. Rodrigo Mora is the most important option among the substitutes. The indications all point to a starting eleven built above all to provide balance and physicality in midfield, as Roma look to contain a Napoli side at home. The probable Roma line-up (3-4-2-1) is: Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante, Soulé; Malen. Rodrigo Mora is expected to provide the main alternative from the bench, should Gasperini need an change during the match.

Radio pundits on Radio Radio have weighed in on Roma's selection dilemmas ahead of their upcoming fixture against Napoli, with former player Pruzzo and commentator Carina among those offering views. Orsi said Napoli are a strong side despite appearing to struggle, and that Roma must take advantage while staying fully focused. He said he would not give up on Lulli and De Roon, and that De Roon should have a fixed place because he best interprets his role. If Cristante does not play today, he will play on Wednesday, because De Roon cannot play seven matches in a row. Orsi added that Cristante playing in attack raises some doubts about his mobility, though there are no problems with his tactical intelligence. Pruzzo said: "Lulli deserves the renewal. Mora is not ready: he should show important signs, given what was paid for him. However, the season deserves a lot of attention." Carina described a battle for a place between Cristante and Mora. He noted that Gasperini has kept Trigoria closed off and has not spoken publicly, which he attributed to the coach having already talked a lot, adding that Gasperini prefers to speak when the team loses rather than when it wins. Carina said Lulli is preferred to Molina on the flank and that Lulli will be tied down until 2031, having still been under a youth contract. He said: "I expect Castro close to Malen, and perhaps the 3-5-2, because you can't play with two strikers? However, it's my opinion." Sabatini said Napoli have withdrawn from the race for the top places, with their aim now a top-four finish, and that they face a side with more unavailable players than usual for the first time. He said that if Napoli were to lose, the situation would be very tense. For Roma, he added, a non-win would still be interesting given the emergency. He said there is more pressure on Napoli. Amterà said he was surprised that Gasperini did not hold his press conference, adding: "I don't know if there is a reason. But he is someone who has always spoken before the big matches."

Radio Radio Mattino pundits have offered their views on Napoli v Roma, with most giving the visitors the edge. Giancarlo Padovan was the most direct, saying: "Napoli need to put in a great performance and make up ground. Roma are doing very well, extremely well. The balance has changed. Roma are a title-chasing side and Napoli are not, at least not this year. I expect a match of great quality, but given how Roma are playing they have the chance to extend their happy spell. For me, the giallorossi are the favourites." Sandro Sabatini agreed that the pressure is greater on Napoli, saying they had already put the race for the top places out of their heads, while a fourth-place finish is a different matter. Sabatini pointed to Roma's injury problems, saying: "Numerically Roma have more injured players, so Gasperini has more difficulties." He added that a defeat would leave Napoli in a tense and difficult position. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini had done remarkable things at Atalanta, transforming a respected club that was not comparable to the big clubs, but that Roma were a different challenge in a major city and that his time in Milan had not been significant. He said: "This match matters more to Napoli, but it matters a lot to Roma too. In the end I think Roma can exploit the great attacking resources they have." Roberto Pruzzo said Napoli must win and that he saw no clear favourite. He said: "In matches this close together, everything is harder." Pruzzo also questioned whether Cristante, who is returning after a long spell out, would start, or whether Mora would be picked. Nando Orsi said criticism of Napoli was often exaggerated but that their situation was partly the fault of their coach. He said: "It is not a simple match for Roma. I certainly would not give up on someone like Lulli, de Roon and Malen. With so many matches close together, some turnover is needed." On Cristante in a deeper attacking role, Orsi said: "His tactical intelligence is not in doubt, but I have some doubts about his mobility." Sabatini's view was that for Roma a draw would be a very interesting result, given the situation with their squad. Orsi's view that Roma are not facing a straightforward trip underlined the caution expressed by most of the panel.