Two passionate sides are separated by four points in the standings, with both aiming to boost their Scudetto credentials at the other’s expense. While the Neapolitans remain unbeaten, the Giallorossi have won their last five league matches. Therefore, Sunday night’s Derby del Sole between leaders Napoli and a resurgent Roma promises an enthralling encounter at Stadio Olimpico.Napoli have won each of their last 10 games in all competitions, setting a relentless pace at the top of both Serie A and Champions League Group A. Only once in their history have they enjoyed a longer winning run – back in their mid-80s, the Campanian club managed to string together 11 on the bounce, and the potential victory in Rome this week would match the feats of 1986.Among their 25 league goals this term, and a scarcely believable 17 from four fixtures in Europe, Napoli have recorded 15 different scorers. Level with perennial Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, which represents the most by any team throughout the top five European Leagues.⚽️ 🏟 🕘 | MATCHDAY#RomaNapoli | Stadio Olimpico | 20:45 CEST💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/EgKkmDZtPa— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) October 23, 2022 Their most recent three points did not come easy, though, as a 69th-minute Victor Osimhen goal was required to edge out Bologna in a 3-2 home win last Sunday – a result which keeps the Partenopei top of the table; leading closest rivals Atalanta by two points.Luciano Spalletti’s quiet revolution has only gathered pace since his side crashed out of the title race late last term, and reigning champions Milan are the only side to have posted more points in Serie A this calendar year. No wonder il Partenopei are now being talked of as Scudetto favourites and contenders to prevail in the Champions League.Before the World Cup intervenes, after tackling Roma tonight, the Azzurri are set to face Liverpool and Atalanta in the coming weeks, which means Spalletti’s men form will be fully tested.Not coming as an encouraging piece of statistics, Roma have won only one of their last eight league meetings with Napoli – including a pair of draws last season – and their last victory came back in November 2019.Regardless, Jose Mourinho is hungry as ever and his second season at the club seems to promise greater things for the Europa Conference League winners. On Monday at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, captain Lorenzo Pellegrini coolly converted an early penalty, ultimately securing the Giallorossi’s seventh league win from 10 games to date. The Wolfess now sit fourth in the standings, a point above bitter foes Lazio and just one below reigning champions AC Milan.What a match at Artemio Franchi – Inter defeat Viola with a comical last-second goal!If they can become the first team to topple the leaders this season, Roma would win four Serie A matches in a row for the first time under Mourinho.Roma’s problems lie in them not performing well against other top-six candidates at Olimpico – they are winless in their last 12 home matches (losing each of the most recent three). However, a shift in mentality may be afoot: Roma overcame Inter at San Siro earlier this month.Spalletti could not be happier with his attacking options and more importantly – attacking results. He is facing something of a selection dilemma up front: with Victor Osimhen now fully back in the fold following injury, Napoli manager must choose between last term’s top scorer and this season’s stars – Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone.Summer signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been involved in 13 goals in 14 appearances for Napoli this season – more than any other Serie A player in all competitions – and has delivered one assist in each of his last four games. The Georgian winger features on the left of a front three for the visitors.The ex-Roma coach Spalletti will once more be without regular centre-back Amir Rrahmani, whose recent thigh injury could keep him out until 2023. Juan Jesus (another former Giallorosso) should sit in his place.AS Roma are sitting at the top of Serie A league table in terms of expected goals (XG), Jose Mourinho is over working, the goals will soon come.Abraham, Belotti, Zaniolo and Pellegrini should find their shooting boots. pic.twitter.com/d2zR0DCSDT— MourinhoXtra™ (@Mourinho_Xtra) October 16, 2022 Neapolitans’ midfield pillar – Cameroonian Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – returned to training at the end of the week but will unfortunately not complete his recovery in time (thigh injury).On the other end, Mourinho has more of an issue. Paulo Dybala, Roma’s most productive player, is tied to the treatment room and might miss the World Cup. The Argentinian joins Zeki Celik, Marash Kumbulla and long-term absentee Georginio Wijnaldum on the sidelines.After being rested on Monday, Nemanja Matic’s vast experience should win him the nod over Mady Camara in midfield.Though Nicolo Zaniolo has been handed a three-match ban in the Europa League following his dismissal against Real Betis, the Italy forward is available on Sunday and should start in support of Tammy Abraham up front, with Andrea Belotti relegated to the bench.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 11FridayJuventus – Empoli 4-0 (1-0)/Kean 8, McKennie 55, Rabiot 82, 90+4/Saturday Salernitana – Spezia 1-0 (0-0)/Mazzocchi 48/AC Milan – Monza 4-1 (2-0)/Diaz 16, 41, Origi 65, Leao 84 – Ranocchia 70/Fiorentina – Inter 3-4 (1-2)/Cabral 32 pen, Ikone 60, Jovic 90 – Barella 2, Martinez 15, 72 pen, Mkhitaryan 90+5/Sunday Udinese – Torino 1-2 (1-1)/Deulofeu 26 – Aina 14, Pellegri 69/16.00: (2.30) Bologna (3.20) Lecce (3.70)19.00: (2.14) Atalanta (3.50) Lazio (3.80)21.45: (3.00) Roma (3.40) Napoli (2.55)Monday 19.30: (2.60) Cremonese (3.25) Sampdoria (3.05)21.45: (2.01) Sassuolo (3.50) Verona (3.90)***odds are subject to change
