Nicolo Zaniolo is back in the Roma squad for the first time since January, as the Giallorossi prepare for the Derby Del Sole against Napoli.
Roma have been struggling to find their best form since the resumption of Serie A, and will need to be at their best for one of their biggest challenges yet.
Napoli are in buoyant form after winning the Coppa Italia, but lost their most recent league match to Atalanta.
While that result meant that Roma are still above their rivals in the table, it also allowed Atalanta to pull clear in fourth place.
After two defeats in a row without scoring, Roma need to get back on track. The return of Zaniolo will surely be a boost.
The winger has been injured since January, but after returning to training, Paulo Fonseca can call on him again. Whether he will actually play or not is unclear; it may not be worth the risk.
His presence will be an uplifting factor, though, as Roma travel to a venue they have not lost at since 2014.
Another boost will come with the return of Edin Dzeko to the starting lineup. He was a substitute in the loss to Udinese, but Fonseca has confirmed that he will start in Naples.
Dzeko hasn’t scored in his last three games against Napoli, but did notch a memorable brace in a 4-2 win at Stadio San Paolo back in 2018. In fact, that was his second ever double in Naples – a unique achievement for a Roma player.
Pau Lopez could also return, with the goalkeeper missing out on the last three matchday squads due to injury. Antonio Mirante has deputised in his absence, but could make way for the returning Spaniard.
A win would be a major statement for Fonseca’s hopes of retaining his job. James Pallotta has confirmed Fonseca is safe, but many feel results need to change soon to keep him in charge.
Paulo Fonseca’s future is not in doubt. He has my full support. Forza Roma pic.twitter.com/CpYyfV4tKM
— Jim Pallotta (@jimpallotta13) July 4, 2020
Even behind closed doors, playing away against a rival will be another test of how Roma cope under pressure. They will be hoping to continue their recent history of good results in Naples in order to turn things around.
But to do so, they must break a tradition of not doing the double over Napoli in the 21st Century. And on the flipside, after Milan’s win over Lazio on Saturday, a defeat would complicate Roma’s hopes of reaching not just the Champions League, but Europe altogether.
Full commitment will be required as Roma look to gain the result they need to get back on track.
The game kicks off at 8:45pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Premier Sports 2.
📋 SQUAD LIST 📋
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) July 4, 2020
Nicolò Zaniolo is back! 💪
He and goalkeeper Pau Lopez are both in the travelling party for Sunday's game in Naples! ⚡️#ASRoma #NapoliRoma pic.twitter.com/J2Z9Ulx55P
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