Gasperini weighs Cristante against Mora as Roma prepare for Napoli clash

Former striker Andrea Carnevale, who played for both Roma and Napoli, expects Roma to win at the Maradona when they face Napoli, coached by Max Allegri, at 18:00 in a big match that could carry weight in the race for the top. Carnevale told Gazzetta dello Sport: "La vincerà la Roma, ha qualcosa in più" ("Roma will win it, they have something extra"). Roma go into the fixture as favourites in his view, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side looking to take three points and send a message to the league. Carnevale also looked back at Roma's Champions League clash with Real Madrid, which Roma lost after leading 3-1. He said: "La scorsa settimana ho seguito la sfida dal divano, che partitone. E che grande delusione negli ultimi minuti... È stata spettacolare, peccato averla persa dopo essere stati avanti 3-1: probabilmente neanche i giocatori stessi se lo aspettavano. Però la Champions League è questa cosa qui. E la Roma ne farà tesoro" ("Last week I watched the match from the sofa, what a game. And what a disappointment in the final minutes... It was spectacular, a shame to lose it after being 3-1 up: probably not even the players expected it. But this is the Champions League. And Roma will learn from it"). Carnevale sees Roma among the main rivals to Inter and said: "Darà fastidio a tutti" ("They will be a nuisance for everyone"). Carnevale reserved particular praise for Gasperini, saying: "Attualmente è il miglior allenatore in circolazione. Mi piace tantissimo. È preparato, moderno, ha coraggio, mette in campo una squadra che ti viene sempre ad aggredire alto, fa giocare tanto i difensori. Propone un calcio armonico e bello da vedere" ("He is currently the best coach around. I like him a lot. He is prepared, modern, has courage, puts out a team that always comes to attack you high up the pitch, and plays his defenders a lot. He proposes harmonious and beautiful football to watch").

Roma travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to face Napoli in their Serie A 8th-round fixture, with kickoff at 18:00. It is the first time this season that Roma will wear their official third kit, which makes its debut in the match. A curious coincidence surrounds the choice, as Roma have not won at Napoli since 3 March 2018. Until now, Gian Piero Gasperini's side had worn only the traditional yellow-and-red kit and the white second shirt. The third kit is a dark grey design with yellow-and-red details that highlight the Roma crest and the adidas logo. The back of the collar carries the phrase "Lotta con il cuore", a nod to a historic chant from the Roma fans. The last Roma win at Napoli came on 3 March 2018, when Eusebio Di Francesco's side won 4-2. Cengiz Under scored, Edin Dzeko scored a brace and Diego Perotti added a late goal. Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens scored for Napoli. Roma also wore a dark third kit that day, with a dark brown shirt, shorts and socks featuring orange details. That season ended with Roma third in Serie A, behind Juventus and Napoli, and with qualification for the Champions League. Across league and cup competitions that season, Roma recorded 29 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats.

Roma debut their black third kit of the 2026-27 season today when they travel to face Napoli at the Maradona in the eighth round of Serie A, with kickoff at 18:00. The club announced the change on its social channels, marking the first time this season the team will take the field in the black shirt. Fans have pointed to a precedent in the comments on the club's video. Roma last wore black at the Maradona on 3 March 2018, when they won 2-4 at Napoli. Back then, the giallorossi in black were led by a Dzeko brace, with further goals from Under and Perotti. The night is remembered as a magical one, and it was also the last Roma win in the Neapolitan city. For Roma, the choice of kit and the memory of that 2018 result add a note of optimism to a big-match trip. The contest is the headline fixture of the round and a chance to return to winning ways on the road against one of Serie A's most difficult venues.

Former coach Andrea Stramaccioni has praised Donyell Malen, likening the Dutch forward's movement to that of Andriy Shevchenko, as Roma prepare to face Napoli at the Maradona. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Stramaccioni also highlighted the way Gian Piero Gasperini's side defends by attacking. Roma's form has been strong, with a clear identity, a productive attack and an effective defensive phase. Stramaccioni said: "It is impressive, ever more in tune with the verticality of Roma's final pass. His half-moon of movement away from his marker, the first controlled touch oriented forward, and the speed with which he does it remind me, with the appropriate comparisons, of the movements Andriy Shevchenko liked to make." He then turned to the team as a whole: "Roma have scored with 11 different players, and Dybala, Mancini, Wesley and Pellegrini are still missing. But the out-of-possession phase stands out more: Gasperini's side 'defends by attacking' while controlling the ball. It is the best defence in Serie A (and two of the three goals conceded came against Inter) and has the best goal difference in the league." On the Napoli fixture, Stramaccioni said: "He is too experienced, he knows that at Napoli the level of difficulty is very high. He will find a side 'wounded', which cannot afford to lose again and will play to the death in front of their very hot crowd. And Gasp knows this well. He will prepare a high-intensity match, taking time and space away from Napoli's build-up, meaning limiting Lobotka and De Bruyne. And trying to exploit the vertical spaces that may open up." He also pointed to a potential weakness. "Roma have conceded little when defending in a set shape, but have suffered from second balls from dead-ball situations: look at Inter and Real Madrid. On the other side, isolating the attackers one-on-one in open space and forcing Allegri's wide players to chase Wesley and company can cause Napoli problems." On squad depth, Stramaccioni said: "Without injuries I would have said Napoli, although they are a little short in midfield. But now, with Roma missing key players, I see them as similar. Roma's real advantage is a year of work with Gasperini: more certainty and enthusiasm." Finally, he assessed the ambitions of both clubs. "Napoli are a great potential in search of certainty, continuity and solidity. Roma are a group full of enthusiasm who have plenty of certainty, but to stay up there they must win matches like this one."

Roma's electric start to the season has drawn praise from every quarter, and former coach Stramaccioni has singled out Donyell Malen, comparing the Dutch forward's movement to that of Andriy Shevchenko. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Stramaccioni, now a pundit, said: "He is impressive, increasingly in tune with the verticality of Roma's final pass. His half-moon run to get free, the first oriented touch and the speed with which he does it remind me, with the due comparisons, of the movements Shevchenko loved to make." Roma have played with flair, scoring and convincing, and have shown no obvious weak spots. Their only slip came against Real Madrid, and they have won every game since. Stramaccioni also highlighted Roma's defensive solidity, noting that the side have scored with 11 different players. "Gasperini's team 'defends by attacking'. It has the best defence and the best goal difference in Serie A," he said. Now comes a tough test, as Napoli visit the Stadio Olimpico. Stramaccioni warned that Roma will face a wounded side: "They will find a team that is hurt, that cannot afford to lose again, and will play to the death in front of their very hot home crowd." He views limiting Lobotka and De Bruyne, denying Napoli time and space in build-up, and exploiting chances to counter vertically as the key to the game. For Stramaccioni, Roma's advantage lies in the work done under Gasperini, which has brought "more certainty and enthusiasm". Yet he believes a further step is needed to stay at the top. "Roma is a group full of enthusiasm that has plenty of certainty, but to stay up there it must win matches like this one."

Gian Piero Gasperini takes Roma to the Maradona on Napoli-Roma, a fixture the article describes as never ordinary, with the Roma boss dealing with a real injury emergency. He is also keen to break several long-running head-to-head tabs against Massimiliano Allegri. One player Gasperini can count on is Donyell Malen, who returned on Tuesday against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League but was suspended for last weekend's league match against Genoa. For Napoli, the attacking burden falls on Rasmus Hojlund, a former pupil of Gasperini. Gasperini coached Hojlund at Atalanta in 2022-23, the season the Danish striker broke through by terrorising defences with his physical runs and his aggressive movement into space. After a campaign with 34 appearances, 10 goals and 4 assists, Hojlund was sold to Manchester United for a total cost of 85 million. Expectations rose sharply with that fee, and they were not met in England. He then returned to Italy, joining Napoli with the aim of rediscovering his best form after several seasons with more shadows than lights at Old Trafford. Today he is Napoli's main offensive reference point and the first threat Roma's defence must handle. Napoli supporters, however, have been critical of his performances and of the team's style under Allegri. The last meeting at the Maradona, a 2-2 draw in February, did not show Hojlund at his best. Malen took centre stage instead. He opened the scoring after 7 minutes from an assist by Zaragoza, and restored Roma's lead from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. Malen, nicknamed Bobby, wants to repeat that performance in Fuorigrotta, where he could have been playing little more than a year ago. As Il Mattino revealed, Napoli targeted the Dutch forward last January, but the interest never developed into a concrete offer. Gasperini's call, Malen's impact in Rome and the love of the Roma fans have since made the story a Giallorossi one.

Former Roma midfielder Gigi Di Biagio, who made 140 appearances for the club and is now in Saudi Arabia, has told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Inter remain the favourites for the Scudetto, while insisting Roma can mount a serious challenge. The interview was given a few hours before Napoli v Roma. Di Biagio, who has also been Italy's U20 and U21 coach and interim head coach of the senior national team, praised Roma's progress this season. He said he had seen a clear improvement in the team compared with last year, and he singled out the squad's depth. "I always say that it is not the starting XI that wins championships, but the 25th man, the bench," he said. "And this year Gasperini certainly has more players he can count on. Roma entertain, dominate their opponents and involve the whole squad. That makes the difference." On the title race, Di Biagio said: "Of course Roma can fight for the Scudetto. However, I have to admit that Inter remain the favourites, and have been for five or six years. If they have not won every title in that period, it is because something happened that should not have. In terms of squad, they have no equals in Italy. That said, as happened with Napoli's Scudetti, if certain dynamics come together, why not? I am very attached to both teams." On the midfield, he acknowledged the impact of Manu Koné's absence. "The emergency is certainly there. But when you put play and mentality at the centre of the project, players who have never played together, like Pisilli and De Roon, can also do well. Koné and Cristante are players of the highest level and they are missed over the long run, but Pisilli is showing he is on that path and has an incredible understanding with the Dutchman." Di Biagio also expressed sympathy over the injury to Lorenzo Pellegrini. "I feel really sorry for him. I have a soft spot for him and I simply do not understand the criticism he has faced over the years. I saw him play brilliantly against Slovan and he could also play in that role in midfield. I hope he returns as soon as possible." Finally, asked whether Gianluca Mancini could be used in midfield after he was tried there in the closing stages against Slovan, Di Biagio offered an anecdote. "Very few people know this, but Mancio was playing in midfield at 16-17 years old. When I coached him in the Under-21s he could also play that role. He has total empathy with Gasperini and he would certainly not refuse, but we are talking about an emergency situation. He is at his best as a proactive and charismatic defender, which he is."

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."

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."

Roma's visit to Napoli dominated the Roman radio debate, with several pundits giving their views ahead of the match. Sandro Sabatini said: "Penso che la corsa all'alta classifica il Napoli se la sia già tolta dalla testa, mentre se parliamo di quarto posto è diverso." He added that a draw would be an interesting result for Roma. Sabatini said: "Per la Roma una non vittoria, un bel pareggio, sarebbe un risultato molto interessante, considerata anche l'emergenza. Sul Napoli c'è molta più pressione che sulla Roma." He pointed out that Roma have more injuries, leaving Gasperini with more difficulties. Giancarlo Padovan was the most confident Roma backer. He said Napoli need a big performance and to make up ground, while Roma are "sta bene, benissimo". He added: "Oggi gli equilibri sono cambiati, la Roma è una squadra da scudetto e il Napoli no, almeno non quest'anno." Padovan said Roma are favourites. Roberto Pruzzo took a different view, saying Napoli must win today and that he saw no favourite between the two sides. He noted that matches played so close together are far harder to call. Ugo Trani focused on selection, arguing that Cristante should play in midfield alongside Pisilli and De Roon, and that Anguissa should be left out. Trani also praised Lulli, noting he was signed for €60 million after one season at Cagliari, and questioned whether the club should have focused on the risk of letting Lulli leave on a free transfer rather than on the sale of Romano. Paolo Marcacci said he was open to the idea of Cristante playing a role similar to Perrotta, and suggested Castro and Malen could partner up front. He was less convinced by Mora, whom he criticised after two clear errors against Slovan Bratislava. Stefano Agresti said Gasperini achieved great things at Atalanta but that Roma is a different challenge in a big city, adding that his spell at Milan had not been significant. He argued the match matters more to Napoli but still matters to Roma, who can exploit their attacking resources. Nando Orsi said Napoli's situation is partly down to their own coach, and that he would not give up Lulli, de Roon or Malen, while suggesting some rotation is needed with so many matches close together. He had doubts about Cristante's mobility in a wide-attacking role, though not his tactical intelligence.