Napoli vs Roma

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona sets the stage for a massive Derby del Sole this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Antonio Conte’s Napoli (3rd, 46 points) hosts Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma (5th, 43 points). Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 UTC.

This Round 25 clash is a pivotal battle for the Champions League spots. Napoli is looking to bridge the gap to the top two, while Roma—under the tactical guidance of Gasperini—aims to leapfrog their rivals and break into the top four.

Match Information

Napoli: Conte’s Resilience Tested

Despite sitting 3rd, Antonio Conte is navigating a significant injury crisis that has hit his midfield and attack hard. However, a recent 2–1 win over Fiorentina has kept the Partenopei in the title conversation. Napoli has been formidable at home this season, currently ranked 2nd in the league for home form.

Team News and Selection:

• The "De Bruyne" Void: Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne remains out with a hamstring injury, alongside Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour.

• Suspension: Juan Jesus is unavailable after picking up a red card in the previous round.

• The Attack: Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line, supported by the creative flair of Noa Lang. David Neres, who leads the team in big chances created (9), is a doubt but could feature if he passes a late fitness test.

• Predicted XI (3-4-3): Milinković-Savić; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Neres (or Politano), Højlund, Lang.

Roma: Gasperini’s Giallorossi

Since taking the reins, Gian Piero Gasperini has implemented his signature high-intensity, wing-back-driven system at Roma. They arrive in Naples in solid form, having recently dispatched Torino 2–0 and earned a hard-fought draw against AC Milan.

Team News and Selection:

• Striker Concerns: Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are both ruled out through injury. Paulo Dybala is also a major doubt, which may see Tommaso Baldanzi or Julián Alvarez (if available) utilized in a more fluid front line.

• The "Wesley" Spark: Brazilian wing-back Wesley has been a revelation, creating 7 big chances this season, and will be the primary outlet on the left.

• Midfield Battle: Manu Koné is expected to start despite a recent ankle scare, partnering with Bryan Cristante to anchor the midfield.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Dybala (or Baldanzi).

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent Meeting: Napoli won the reverse fixture 1–0 at the Stadio Olimpico in November 2025.

• The "Maradona" Factor: Roma hasn't won an away league game against Napoli since 2018.

• Tight Margins: 4 of the last 6 meetings between these two have seen Under 2.5 goals.

• Overall Serie A H2H: Napoli 16 wins, Roma 10 wins, 7 draws in their most recent history.

Tactical Preview and Prediction

This will be a classic clash of styles: Conte’s disciplined, transition-focused 3-4-3 against Gasperini’s aggressive, man-marking 3-4-2-1. The battle in the wide areas between Di Lorenzo/Neres and Wesley/Pellegrini will likely decide the match.

Napoli’s defensive solidity (anchored by Buongiorno) will be tested by the movement of Matías Soulé, but Roma's tendency to struggle against clinical counter-attacks—and their poor recent record in Naples—gives the hosts the edge.

Final Score Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Roma