Roma will be trying to head into the international break on a high note when they contest one of the biggest games of the season against Napoli.
Two rivals with similar objectives this season, no points separate Roma and Napoli in the table. Both remain outside the top four, but are not far off and the target will be to break into that territory by the end of the season.
This game could have major implications on either side’s chances of achieving their goals. From Roma’s perspective, a win would put them within touching distance of fourth-placed Atalanta, but a loss would create a three-point gap behind fifth.
The reverse fixture was one of Roma’s worst games of the season, so they will be determined to make an improvement. Played shortly after the death of Napoli legend Diego Maradona, it was always going to be a game out of the ordinary for the opponents, who claimed a 4-0 win.
Roma must now show that that result was simply a product of the occasion and not a symbol of any difference between the two sides. To do so, they must cast aside the controversy from the build-up to the game and place their full focus on the pitch.
There were calls for the game to be postponed after Napoli’s midweek tie against Juventus was rearranged for a later date. With Roma playing away in Ukraine on Thursday, many feel there is an unfair advantage to the visitors; but the game is going ahead, and there are points to earn.
Roma remain without some of their most important players, but Paulo Fonseca has a healthy amount of options to choose from. For example, up front he could select Edin Dzeko, despite Borja Mayoral scoring a brace in midweek.
In defence, Roger Ibanez is available for selection despite suffering a head injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. With Chris Smalling still absent, the Brazilian could keep his place in the starting lineup.
The likes of Bryan Reynolds, Federico Fazio and Javier Pastore are all back in the squad after not making the trip to Ukraine. While none are likely to play, they at least provide more depth if Fonseca needs such options.
Games between Roma and Napoli in recent years have been close to call, with both rivals capable of claiming wins against each other. This will be a tough challenge, and is another test of whether Fonseca’s side can really compete against bigger sides.
The two-legged win over Shakhtar should have given them confidence, though, so they will head into the game with plenty of motivation.
The match kicks off at 7:45pm UK time and will be available to watch live on Premier Sports 2.
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