Napoli vs Roma prediction: match preview, team news, injuries, possible lineups, October 24, 2026
On October 24, 2026, Napoli and Roma will face off in the 8th round of Italy's Serie A. Both sides will be determined to fight for victory
Napoli - Roma expert analysis
Napoli once again failed to defend their Serie A title last season, finishing runners-up despite winning the Italian Super Cup. Massimiliano Allegri replaced Antonio Conte in the summer, but his tenure has got off to a difficult start. Napoli lost their opening Champions League match at home to Arsenal, followed by another defeat against Villarreal in October. They finally secured their first European victory this week, beating Bodø/Glimt in a thrilling encounter. Their domestic form has been equally inconsistent, with the latest setback coming against Venezia, where Kevin De Bruyne missed a penalty in a 1-0 defeat.
Roma, meanwhile, have made considerable progress under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italian coach guided the club to third place in his first season, securing their return to the Champions League. Their European campaign began with a draw away to Fenerbahçe, followed by a dramatic defeat to Real Madrid. Roma led 3-1 but failed to hold on, eventually losing the match. They recovered with a comfortable victory over Slovan Bratislava.
In Serie A, Roma have been far more consistent. They began the campaign with a winning run before dropping their first points against Inter, despite taking a 2-0 lead. A goalless draw with Como followed the international break, but Gasperini's side returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Genoa in the latest round.
The difference between the teams is also reflected in their league statistics. Napoli average 1.43 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per match, while Roma have been considerably more productive in attack, scoring 2.29 goals per game and conceding just 0.43.
Napoli's Recent Results and Team News
Napoli have struggled for consistency in both domestic and European competitions. They opened their Champions League campaign with defeats to Arsenal and Villarreal, while their Serie A results have also fallen short of expectations.
The latest domestic setback against Venezia ended 1-0 with lost to a side that had failed to collect a single point in its opening six league matches. Allegri's team dominated possession and registered 29 attempts, including ten on target, but failed to score. The defeat left Napoli with just three wins from seven league matches, their worst start to a Serie A campaign since 2009/10.
There was a much-needed response in Europe three days later, Napoli defeated Bodø/Glimt. However, Napoli twice surrendered their lead and conceded again in stoppage time. The result secured their first Champions League points of the season, although Allegri will have concerns about the number of chances his team allowed.
Napoli also face several injury problems. Alessandro Buongiorno remains unavailable in defence, while David Neres and Alisson Santos are sidelined. Costantino Favasuli is another absentee. There is better news concerning Antonio Vergara, who returned to full team training after recovering from an injury sustained on international duty. Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the attack, with De Bruyne and McTominay also in contention to start. Allegri may make further changes in defence, where Sam Beukema, Rafa Marín and Benoît Badiashile are competing for places.
Roma's Strong Start and Latest Injury News
Roma have been far more consistent in Serie A, collecting 17 points from their opening seven matches. Their record of five wins and two draws represents the club's best start to a league campaign since 2014/15.
Gasperini's side also have the strongest defensive record in the division, having conceded just three goals. They have been especially difficult to break down away from home, keeping clean sheets in each of their first three league matches.
Roma's recent performances have not been without setbacks, however. They suffered a dramatic 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid after leading 3-1 with less than ten minutes remaining. Roma recovered in Serie A with a home victory over Genoa.
Gasperini made several changes for that match, with Donyell Malen suspended and several regular starters unavailable through injury. Despite a difficult opening half, Roma eventually took control and recorded another clean sheet.
Their next European match brought a much more convincing performance. Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0.
The victory gave Roma their first Champions League win of the season after a draw against Fenerbahçe and the defeat to Real Madrid. Malen has been particularly productive, scoring nine goals in nine club appearances this season.
However, the win came with another injury setback. Lorenzo Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half, just days after returning from a lengthy absence. Medical examinations subsequently revealed a serious right thigh injury that could keep the midfielder out for several weeks. Gasperini already has limited options in midfield, with Manu Koné unavailable due to a thigh injury. Paulo Dybala is also sidelined with a calf problem, while first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar remains out with a toe injury. Bryan Cristante has returned to full training and could be available against Napoli. His recovery would be particularly welcome given the absence of Koné and Pellegrini. Malen is also available after serving his domestic suspension against Genoa. The Dutch forward is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Pierluigi Gollini should continue in goal in Svilar's absence.
Napoli vs Roma Prediction
Roma have been the stronger side in Serie A this season, with a seven-point advantage over Napoli after seven rounds. Gasperini's team remain unbeaten and have conceded just three goals, while Napoli have already suffered three league defeats.
The hosts showed improvement against Bodø/Glimt, but conceding three goals at home remains a concern. Their finishing has also been inconsistent, despite creating plenty of opportunities in recent matches.
Roma's injury problems cannot be ignored, particularly in midfield, but the return of Malen and the possible availability of Cristante should provide Gasperini with more options.
Napoli's strong home record against Roma makes an outright away victory a difficult call. Nevertheless, the visitors have been considerably more reliable in the league and have yet to concede an away goal this season.
We are backing Roma to win with a handicap of "0" at odds of 1.80. This selection offers protection if the match ends in a draw, while Roma's stronger recent results support the visitors' chances of taking all three points.
Napoli - Roma: key statistics and trends
- Napoli have won only two of their last six Serie A matches
- Both teams have scored in 43% of Napoli's matches, with an average total of 2.43 goals per game
- Roma have failed to win only twice in this league campaign
- Both teams have scored in 29% of Roma's matches, with an average total of 2.71 goals per game
Napoli - Roma: possible starting lineups
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret – Di Lorenzo, Rafa Marín, Badiashile, Olivera – De Bruyne, Lobotka, McTominay – Politano, Højlund, Lang.
Roma (3-4-1-2): Gollini – Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso – Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley – Cristante – Soulé, Malen.