Juventus enjoy a healthy twelve-point lead at the top of Serie A, but the fight for second spot is close between Roma and Napoli. The two teams are set for a crucual Derby del Sole at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Monday. Roma can close the gap to Lazio to two points with a win.
The match is of importance for Napoli as a loss against Roma will result in Juventus winning the Serie A, with three games to spare. Roma's form in the Serie A has not been impressive over the last three games, winning one and losing two, while Napoli's record of late is better.
The visitors have won two and lost one, and will be buoyed after their 6-0 thrashing of Bologna in their last fixture.
But when it comes to the Derby del Sole, records go out of the window, as Roma and Napoli will only have one thing in their mind -- win at all costs.
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti will want his players to give their best against Napoli, who he believes have been the best team after Juventus in the Serie A this season.
"Napoli are the team we should be highlighting in terms of the football they've produced this season, their statistics, approach and consistency. After Juventus, they've been the best side in the division and they deserve to be where they are in the table," Roma's official website quoted Spalletti as saying.
Roma will need their big players like Franceso Totti, Edin Dzeko and Stephan El Shaarawy to deliver. Totti, who has only played for Roma so far in his career, has played in such huge derbies a number of times, and is expected to absorb the pressure, and shine in front of his home fans.
Roma have looked a solid team, after Spalletti replaced Rudi Garcia, with the side coming a long way since the manager took over in January.
"When I took over, no one would have thought we could have gone into tomorrow's match on an even footing. The lads have produced incredible results and often we haven't highlighted that. They've grafted since day one, they've shown a willingness to work and I saw that from how they looked at me on my first day. If I hadn't believed in this team, I wouldn't have come here but over time they've shown me how good they are," Spalletti said.
Spalletti must find a way to stop Napoli's striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is set for a return from suspension. The Argentinean is a huge threat in front of goal, and he does not need much invitation to score goals. Hence, Dries Mertens, despite his hat-trick against Bologna, might be benched for the clash.
Napoli have been impressive this season as most of their players like Marek Hamsik have looked good in the Serie A. This game against Roma will be a special one for Hamsik, who is set to play his 400th match for Napoli, and he will be keen to make it a match to remember.
Napoli have a dangerous attacking line, which is expected to comprise of Higuain, Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne. If the trio gels as a unit, Roma will find it tough to defeat Napoli.
Where to watch live
AS Roma vs Napoli Serie A game has been scheduled for 3 p.m local time (6:30 p.m. IST, 2 p.m. BST, 9 a.m. ET) start. There is no live TV coverage in India.
Viewers in the UK can watch AS Roma vs Napoli Serie A live on BT Sport Europe, live streaming on BT Sport Live.
US viewershave the luxury of watching the Roma vs Napoli Serie A on beIN Sports USAwith live streaming on beIN Sports connect.
Viewers in Italy can watch AS Roma vs Napoli Serie A on Sky Sport1/HD Italia.
Australia viewershave the luxury of watching the Roma vs Napoli Serie A on beIN Sports Australia, with live streaming on beIN Sports connect Australia.
