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Analysis
Roma have enjoyed a recent renaissance under new coach Rudi Garcia. The Giallorossi are currently in seventh heaven after a dream start to the season: undefeated in seven consecutive games and currently sit at the top of the league table on 21 points.
Napoli, meanwhile, have also had a fantastic start to the season, also under a new coach, former Chelsea and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard’s last term in Serie A ended on a sour note when he was dismissed by Inter’s management midway through the season, but he now appears to be enjoying his second time on the peninsula, having guided the Partenopei to an undefeated start so far as well.
Currently tied with Juventus on 19 points but ahead of the Bianconeri, Napoli will certainly like to be the first team to inflict defeat on the capital club, even more so at Roma’s home ground. But will they be able to do so? Or will they, like seven other clubs—including Inter, who suffered their first defeat at the hand of a Francesco Totti-led charge—also be brushed aside as Roma continue their campaign towards Serie A glory?
Two seasons ago, Juventus, who did not have to feature in European competition due to their 7th place finish the previous season, won the Scudetto and became the first side to do so in the new 38-game format without suffering a single defeat.
It may be far too early to be talking about a Scudetto, but Roma have certainly looked like the side to beat this season. Will they be able to do so undefeated as well? Or will their high-flying start come to a screeching halt at the hands of a newly-refurbished Napoli?
Facts:
• Roma and Napoli, along with Juventus, are the only clubs remaining in Serie A yet to lose a single game this season.
• The Giallorossi have not only scored the most goals in the league (20) but have also conceded the fewest (1). Parma’s Jonathan Biabiany has been the only one so far to put one past goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
• New Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis will be also facing off against his former side for the first time this season.
• Francesco Totti, who turned 37 in September, has recorded 3 goals and 6 assists in 7 appearances so far this season. His two strikes against Inter now put him second behind Silvio Piola in Serie A’s most prolific attackers with 230 goals.
• Napoli currently boast the second-most prolific attack in Serie A with 18 goals and second-strongest defense with 4 goals conceded.
Head to Head Record (Last 5 games):
• Roma 2 -1 Napoli: 19 May 2013
• Roma 1-4 Napoli: 6 January 2013
• Roma 2-2 Napoli: 28 April 2012
• Roma 3-1 Napoli: 18 December 2011
• Roma 0-2 Napoli: 12 February 2011
Prediction:
Roma 2-1 Napoli
