NapoliNapoli seek a lasting recovery
Napoli host Roma at 16:00 UTC on Saturday. Anguissa and Ndicka are in the squads as the hosts seek consistency against opponents missing several key players.
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Napoli have rediscovered their scoring touch in Europe; consistency in Serie A is the next test. They host Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday 24 October, kicking off at 16:00 UTC, or 17:00 in Brazzaville. Roma arrive seven points clear of their opponents but missing several key players. Follow the Napoli–Roma match centre for confirmed line-ups, the live score and match statistics.
A European win leaves questions unanswered
Tuesday’s 4–3 victory over Bodø/Glimt eased the pressure on Napoli after successive defeats. It also raised a familiar question: how can a team capable of scoring four provide better protection at the other end? Scott McTominay scored twice to help settle that contest, but the result does not erase the 1–0 loss at Venezia in the previous league round.
The Serie A table checked before kick-off shows Napoli on ten points from seven games. Roma have seventeen, collected through five wins and two draws. Victory would bring the hosts closer to their opponents; defeat would widen an already substantial gap. This is a test of whether Napoli’s recovery can last beyond one high-scoring European evening.
Roma must replace players across the team
Roma beat Genoa 2–0 in the league before a 4–0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. Gian Piero Gasperini therefore has encouraging results behind him, though several options are unavailable. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are absent from the travelling squad announced on Friday.
Those omissions affect the goalkeeping position, midfield and attacking creativity. Bryan Cristante is included, as is Donyell Malen. Roma’s challenge is to retain clean passing routes into attack while protecting the middle of the pitch. The official line-up will establish Gasperini’s choices; inclusion in the squad does not guarantee a start.
Anguissa and Ndicka provide an African focus
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is in Napoli’s squad. If Massimiliano Allegri uses him, the Cameroon midfielder’s contribution between winning possession and carrying the team forward will be worth watching. Antonio Vergara has also been called up, providing another option for the hosts.
For Roma, Ivory Coast defender Evan Ndicka is available in the travelling group. Against an attack that has regained confidence, Roma must watch both the central striker and midfield runners. One useful viewing point is how many players Napoli can bring into the penalty area without leaving space for a Roma break. That balance will reveal more about their progress than the number of chances alone.