Napoli v Roma: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Ivan Juric was sacked ahead of this month’s international break, meaning Roma are now onto their third manager of the season. They’ve lured Claudio Ranieri out of retirement to take charge of his boyhood club for a third time, as the Giallorossi search for a long-term successor. 

While Ranieri’s return is expected to help Roma, his first game back in charge pits them against Antonio Conte’s Napoli. The Partenopei have made a fast start to their Serie A campaign and they can boost their title push with another victory. 

Napoli v Roma betting tips and predictions

Under 2.5 goals - 4/5

Roma sacked Ivan Juric after just 12 games, but a string of awful performances ultimately cost him his job. The Giallorossi lost four of their last five Serie A games, including a 5-1 loss to Fiorentina, plus 3-2 defeats to Verona and Bologna.

Those defensive concerns led to Juric’s departure, so Ranieri is likely to tighten things up from the off. He’s expected to set his team out in a 4-5-1 system, looking to play deep and flood the midfield to deny Napoli space to operate in. 

That approach has caused some issues for Conte’s side in the past, as it denies Khvicha Kvaratskhelia space to operate in, while their midfield lacks the cutting-edge to break down those deep defences. 

The Partenopi have seen 2.33 goals scored per game this season, partly due to them having the second-best defensive record in the division. They host a Roma side who have scored less than a goal per game on their travels and now they’re expected to approach this with a more conservative style. As a result, expect this to be a low-scoring affair. 

Napoli to win 1-0 - 11/2

While Roma should look to stifle Napoli here, it’s hard to see Ranieri getting them up to speed in time for this clash. The hosts have won five of their six home matches in the league this term, while they’ve scored in nine of their 12 Serie A games so far.

The Giallorossi have seen their defensive standards slip of late and while Ranieri should improve them in that regard, Napoli should be strong enough to edge this clash.

The hosts have won to nil in three of their last five games, including two 1-0 victories. While Conte’s side have suffered a couple of setbacks against Atalanta and Inter Milan, this clash with a Roma side who are winless on their travels is an easier prospect.

The visitors have conceded in each of their last four trips, so take Napoli to grind out a 1-0 win. 

Napoli over 5 corners and Giovanni Di Lorenzo 1+ shot on target - 9/2

This looks set to be a game which the Partenopei dominate, which gives us a couple of interesting bet builder angles. First up are Napoli corners, with the hosts averaging five per game this term, jumping to 6.33 in their home matches.

Roma have conceded four per game but if this is more of a backs-to-the-wall display, then expect that number to increase in this clash.

Pair six or more corners for Napoli with a shot on target for full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The right-back has scored three times this season and he looks like a good match for Roma’s vulnerable left flank. Angelino and Stephan El Shaaraway should struggle to contain his bursts forward, so expect Di Lorenzo to get plenty of joy down that side.

The defender has already proven to be a goal threat, so he’s capable of getting an effort on target on Sunday. 

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Napoli v Roma odds

Napoli - 8/11
Draw - 13/5
Roma - 4/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.