Napoli vs Roma: Cristante starts alongside Soulé as Gasperini's side face Allegri's hosts

Napoli took the lead against Roma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in their Serie A 2026-27 matchday 8 fixture, with Frank Anguissa scoring in the 28th minute. The goal ended Roma's run of away-day shutouts, as the Giallorossi had kept a clean sheet in all three of their previous away league games this season. The strike came from a free kick taken by Politano in the 28th minute, which Anguissa converted. Roma had gone into the match with a record of not conceding on the road, and that run came to an end at Napoli's ground. Roma have now conceded their first goal in an away match this campaign, having kept the door shut in their first three trips of the 2026-27 Serie A season.

Referee Andrea Colombo booked Napoli defender Marin for a reckless challenge on Roma's Wesley early in the match at the Maradona. The Italian review shows the tackle recalls Donyell Malen's challenge at Como, but is worse, with Marin's studs held even higher than the Dutchman's. Marelli, however, had no doubts about the referee's decision, saying: "Giusto il cartellino giallo" ("The yellow card is right"). Roma go into the fixture determined to keep their title push alive and collect all three points. Gasperini believes his side can do it and wants to beat Allegri again to keep climbing the table. Colombo will be assisted by Bindoni and Rossi M., with Sacchi as fourth official. Aureliano is on VAR duty, with Meraviglia as AVAR.

Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli spoke to Dazn before the match against Napoli, saying the team arrives at the game full of energy after playing well in recent fixtures. "We have played well in the last few matches. We arrive with a lot of energy and we want to do well," he said. Pisilli, a Roma academy product, was asked about his increased responsibilities after wearing the captain's armband in the most recent match. He said: "It was an honour to wear the armband, but I am focused on today's match." The midfielder, who is a Roma academy product and has never signed for another club, is now taking on a more prominent role in the squad as the team seeks momentum against a strong Napoli side. Asked whether he is a fan of the bordocam, the close-up camera used to show the players' bench and dressing area, Pisilli smiled and said: "Yes, I don't watch it straight away, but I always see them all."

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to the press ahead of Napoli v Roma, a big match in the eighth round of Serie A at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, saying that a victory in Naples would be a major boost for his side. Roma come into the game on the back of a week full of satisfaction, performances and results, and the coach has also had to deal with the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini while welcoming back Bryan Cristante. Gasperini stressed the importance of Cristante's return to the squad. He explained that Roma have often had to field the same players in that department, so the midfielder's availability is significant both for his quality and for his form in this campaign. Gasperini also highlighted the tactical flexibility Cristante gives the team, as he can play in the deep midfield role but can also drop into the back two, allowing another player to push forward. The coach added that this gives Roma variations to use during the match. Asked how much a game like this could shape the season, Gasperini said: "It's a bit early for definitive judgements, but it's undoubtedly true that if we win today in Naples, it would be a further step in terms of awareness and strength, and in that respect it would be a great boost, undoubtedly." He also described the fixture as a high-level clash: "It's a match of quality, Napoli-Roma. A game with many important players on the pitch, two of the best teams in our league, so it's a very important match." Gasperini was speaking both before the game and after the final whistle.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Dazn ahead of Roma's match against Napoli, praising Bryan Cristante's return as an important boost for the squad. Roma have lost Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini says Cristante's value to the team is significant. Gasperini described the fixture as a match between sides of quality, adding: "Napoli-Roma is a match between teams of quality. They are two of the best in the league, it is an important game." Cristante is a key return, and the coach explained the reasoning behind his impact on the side. Gasperini said: "Yes, because in that area we have often played with the same men. His value is important. It makes the team more versatile, we can play him in the deeper midfield role. It gives us the chance to have variations." Asked how much the match could shape the season, he said: "It is difficult to say now, but if we win today it is a further step in awareness. It would be a great boost."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken ahead of Napoli v Roma, a Serie A match in the eighth matchday, describing it as a fixture between two of the league's best sides with many important players on the pitch. He said that winning at Napoli would be a major boost and a further proof of his side's awareness and strength. Gasperini was asked how much the result could shape the season and answered that it is still too early to speak in definitive terms. He also addressed the value of Bryan Cristante, who joined Roma in July 2018, explaining that the team has often had to play with the same players in that area of the pitch. He added that Cristante's importance lies in the options he gives the side: playing him as the deep midfield pivot, or bringing him into the two-man midfield and advancing another player, allows the team to vary its shape. Gasperini said: "Oggi è una gara di livello, una partita con tanti giocatori importanti in campo, due tra le squadre migliori del campionato." On Cristante, he said: "Molto, in quel reparto abbiamo dovuto giocare spesso con gli stessi uomini, e poi è importante per il suo valore, giocare con lui con il vertice basso o entrare nei due e far avanzare un altro, ci dà possibilità di variare." On the wider season he said: "La stagione è un po' presto per parlarne in termini definitivi. Vincere a Napoli sarebbe una grande spinta, una ulteriore prova di consapevolezza e di forza."

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to the press ahead of Napoli v Roma, a big match in the eighth round of Serie A at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, saying that a victory in Naples would be a major boost for his side. Roma come into the game on the back of a week full of satisfaction, performances and results, and the coach has also had to deal with the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini while welcoming back Bryan Cristante. Gasperini stressed the importance of Cristante's return to the squad. He explained that Roma have often had to field the same players in that department, so the midfielder's availability is significant both for his quality and for his form in this campaign. Gasperini also highlighted the tactical flexibility Cristante gives the team, as he can play in the deep midfield role but can also drop into the back two, allowing another player to push forward. The coach added that this gives Roma variations to use during the match. Asked how much a game like this could shape the season, Gasperini said: "It's a bit early for definitive judgements, but it's undoubtedly true that if we win today in Naples, it would be a further step in terms of awareness and strength, and in that respect it would be a great boost, undoubtedly." He also described the fixture as a high-level clash: "It's a match of quality, Napoli-Roma. A game with many important players on the pitch, two of the best teams in our league, so it's a very important match." Gasperini was speaking both before the game and after the final whistle.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Dazn ahead of Roma's match against Napoli, praising Bryan Cristante's return as an important boost for the squad. Roma have lost Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini says Cristante's value to the team is significant. Gasperini described the fixture as a match between sides of quality, adding: "Napoli-Roma is a match between teams of quality. They are two of the best in the league, it is an important game." Cristante is a key return, and the coach explained the reasoning behind his impact on the side. Gasperini said: "Yes, because in that area we have often played with the same men. His value is important. It makes the team more versatile, we can play him in the deeper midfield role. It gives us the chance to have variations." Asked how much the match could shape the season, he said: "It is difficult to say now, but if we win today it is a further step in awareness. It would be a great boost."

Napoli beat Roma 2-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Serie A's eighth round, with Anguissa and McTominay scoring for the hosts and Matías Soulé pulling one back for Roma. Gian Piero Gasperini's side were without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Gasperini did, however, have Bryan Cristante back in the starting XI and Donyell Malen available again after serving a one-match suspension. Massimiliano Allegri started Højlund, supported by Politano and Lang, while Rrahmani was ruled out by flu and did not make the bench. Roma's starting line-up was Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Rensch lined up at right-back, and Cristante was pushed further forward, with Pisilli alongside him in midfield. Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rafa Marin, Badiashile, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Højlund, Lang. Colombo of Como refereed, with Bindoni-Rossi M. and Sacchi J.L. as assistants, Aureliano on VAR and Meraviglia as VAR assistant. Rafa Marin was booked after three minutes for a heavy challenge on Wesley, and Cristante and Rensch were also cautioned, in the 28th and 45th minutes. Roma had early chances through Soulé, who fired a left-footed effort wide in the 8th minute, and Cristante, whose powerful right foot struck the outside of the net in the 20th minute. Malen went close from the edge of the box in the 24th minute, when Meret saved with his foot. Gollini kept Roma in the game with a pair of saves, first rushing out to deny De Bruyne in the 34th minute and then stopping Olivera at close range in the 43rd. Cristante hit the left-hand post with a header in the 44th minute. Hermoso had a shooting chance in the 37th minute that was deflected wide. Napoli took the lead in the 27th minute when Anguissa scored with an overhead kick in the Roma area, although Gollini was unable to do anything. The move had started from a free kick that appeared to have no foul on De Bruyne. Before half-time Malen wasted a good opening for Roma. Napoli doubled their lead in the 47th minute, when Politano's right-wing cross was headed in by McTominay, who got ahead of Rensch. Gollini then made a save to deny Politano in the 56th minute, after Wesley had lost possession. Badiashile limped off with an injury in the 51st minute and was replaced by Beukema. Roma made three changes in the 58th minute, bringing on Molina, Balerdi and Castro for Rensch, Pisilli and Hermoso. Napoli also made a substitution in the 65th minute, with Giovane replacing Politano. Soulé reduced the deficit in the 69th minute with a left-footed strike from a tight angle, set up by Malen, to make it 2-1. Napoli held on to take the three points.

Napoli beat Roma 2-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Serie A's eighth round, with Anguissa and McTominay scoring for the hosts and Matías Soulé pulling one back for Roma. Gian Piero Gasperini's side were without Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini. Gasperini did, however, have Bryan Cristante back in the starting XI and Donyell Malen available again after serving a one-match suspension. Massimiliano Allegri started Højlund, supported by Politano and Lang, while Rrahmani was ruled out by flu and did not make the bench. Roma's starting line-up was Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Rensch, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Rensch lined up at right-back, and Cristante was pushed further forward, with Pisilli alongside him in midfield. Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rafa Marin, Badiashile, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Højlund, Lang. Colombo of Como refereed, with Bindoni-Rossi M. and Sacchi J.L. as assistants, Aureliano on VAR and Meraviglia as VAR assistant. Rafa Marin was booked after three minutes for a heavy challenge on Wesley, and Cristante and Rensch were also cautioned, in the 28th and 45th minutes. Roma had early chances through Soulé, who fired a left-footed effort wide in the 8th minute, and Cristante, whose powerful right foot struck the outside of the net in the 20th minute. Malen went close from the edge of the box in the 24th minute, when Meret saved with his foot. Gollini kept Roma in the game with a pair of saves, first rushing out to deny De Bruyne in the 34th minute and then stopping Olivera at close range in the 43rd. Cristante hit the left-hand post with a header in the 44th minute. Hermoso had a shooting chance in the 37th minute that was deflected wide. Napoli took the lead in the 27th minute when Anguissa scored with an overhead kick in the Roma area, although Gollini was unable to do anything. The move had started from a free kick that appeared to have no foul on De Bruyne. Before half-time Malen wasted a good opening for Roma. Napoli doubled their lead in the 47th minute, when Politano's right-wing cross was headed in by McTominay, who got ahead of Rensch. Gollini then made a save to deny Politano in the 56th minute, after Wesley had lost possession. Badiashile limped off with an injury in the 51st minute and was replaced by Beukema. Roma made three changes in the 58th minute, bringing on Molina, Balerdi and Castro for Rensch, Pisilli and Hermoso. Napoli also made a substitution in the 65th minute, with Giovane replacing Politano. Soulé reduced the deficit in the 69th minute with a left-footed strike from a tight angle, set up by Malen, to make it 2-1. Napoli held on to take the three points.

Gasperini's Roma face Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli in Serie A's eighth round this afternoon at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Kickoff is at 18:00, with the turnstiles open from 15:30. Roma travel without Svilar, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini. Gasperini does have Cristante available again, and Malen is back in the starting frame after serving a one-match suspension. Cristante is the favourite to start in a more advanced role ahead of Mora. Napoli are expected to rely on Højlund, supported by Politano and Lang. In Roma's expected line-up, Lulli is favoured over Molina on the right flank. Cristante is set to play further forward, with Soulé and Malen completing the attack. The choice over Cristante's role is the main open question before the team sheets are released. Napoli (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Badiashile, Rafa Marin, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Højlund, Lang. Substitutes: Meret, Contini, Beukema, Marianucci, Rrahmani, Spinazzola, Gilmour, Lobotka, Vergara, Giovane, Lucca. Coach: Massimiliano Allegri. Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Substitutes: Vasquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Di Nunzio, Mora, Castro, Camara. Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini. The referee is Colombo of Como, with assistants Bindoni and Rossi M. Fourth official: Sacchi J.L. VAR: Aureliano. Assistant VAR: Meraviglia.

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."