Roma’s match tomorrow towards their Southern compatriots Napoli is a critical testing floor for the Giallorossi. Whereas Gian Piero Gasperini’s males have managed to remain high of the desk by means of practically a 3rd of the season, their success has are available in a decidedly un-Roma means: by profitable the matches they should towards the smaller sides of Italy. They’ve misplaced their matches towards each Milan golf equipment thus far this season, and whereas the Derby Della Capitale is at all times a significant match, it’s clear that Roma is a tier above their cross-town rivals Lazio this season. It’s a refreshing change of tempo for Roma to win the matches they need to win, permitting the matches towards the guy giants of Serie A to hold barely much less weight; nonetheless, if Roma needs to actually contend for Champions League soccer this season (and dare we are saying it, a Scudetto), they’re going to have to begin profitable a number of the matches towards the heavyweights too.
The Giallorossi’s success this season has been constructed off of world-class protection: they’ve conceded simply six objectives in 12 matches, which is the very best defensive file in Serie A and tied with Arsenal for the very best in Europe. Their self-discipline and construction have been a basis for consistency, because of world-class performances from the likes of Mile Svilar, Gianluca Mancini, and Evan Ndicka. Their exhausting work within the again has translated to a excessive possession fee and a sample of sustained stress resulting in a dependable variety of photographs and on-target makes an attempt, even when the offense isn’t all the best way there simply but.
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Match Particulars
Date: November thirtieth
Kickoff: 20:45 CET/2:45 EST
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Roma
Referee: Davide Massa
On the opposite facet, Napoli stays one of the harmful threats within the league. Whereas it’s admittedly been an odd yr for offense in Serie A, Antonio Conte’s males have tallied 19 objectives in 12 video games, making them high three in Serie A for objectives scored thus far this season. Their skill to generate and convert possibilities by means of fast transitions and midfield management implies that, regardless of their defensive lapses (11 thus far, and a historical past of conceding penalties), they’re very a lot able to unsettling even well-drilled defenses.
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A win tomorrow lets the Giallorossi formally announce their return to the height of Italian soccer. A draw or a loss won’t tank their hopes of Champions League glory in 2026, however it should definitely take an excellent quantity of the shine off of what has been an incredible begin to the season.
What To Watch ForBaldanzi’s False 9 Second
The damage issues which might be presently swirling across the Giallorossi would possibly simply be opening a door for Tommaso Baldanzi, and if he performs his playing cards proper, the 22-year-old would possibly lastly get the second he’s been ready for. With Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui each listed as uncertain, the midfield will seemingly see Koné paired with Bryan Cristante. On the similar time, captain Lorenzo Pellegrini drops deeper to assist comprise Stanislav Lobotka, Napoli’s inventive hub. With these modifications taking place in midfield and with Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala nursing accidents and poor type, Gasperini seems able to roll the cube on a lighter, extra fluid entrance, with Baldanzi on the head of the assault in a false 9 position.
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After all of the hullabaloo related along with his much-vaunted switch from Empoli again in January 2024, this is likely to be Baldanzi’s actual second to shine. Many famous that his latest efficiency towards Cremonese showcased real promise: that latest begin allowed him to show his intelligence, create link-up play, discover passing lanes, and practically rating a objective. It was an ideal reminder for followers and coach alike that Baldanzi’s talent set can slot in as a false 9 simply—and that with a faltering offense, maybe the Italian is Roma’s finest accessible choice up entrance.
Clearly the hope for tomorrow is that if Baldanzi begins, he can unlock one thing particular within the Derby Del Sole. Whereas Dybala and Ferguson carry larger reputations in the present day, neither has delivered constant affect this season; Baldanzi, however, could possibly be a real long-term asset for membership and nation if nurtured appropriately. If Gasperini trusts him and provides him area to roam and create, this could possibly be the night time Baldanzi begins to stake an actual declare as a weapon for Roma’s bold quest on the high. Let’s see whether or not he seizes it.
Will the Svilar Present Stand As much as But One other Sturdy Offense?
When the lights flicker on on the Olimpico tomorrow night, Roma’s hopes will undoubtedly rely on Mile Svilar—as per typical. The Serbian shot-stopper has not-so-quietly turn into the spine of AS Roma’s renaissance, serving to the membership amass 14 clear sheets throughout all competitions in 2025 alone, which is greater than another high European membership. These successes weren’t simply throughout the tail finish of the 2024-2025 season both; thus far, Svilar has saved six clear sheets out of 12 matches, with a save share round 86.5%. That’s the work of a world class goalkeeper, and at age 26, the Belgian/Serbian shot stopper clearly has numerous fuel left within the tank to maintain acting at this stage for perhaps even a decade longer.
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Svilar’s consistency has saved Roma aggressive even when their forwards weren’t at their sharpest (and let’s be sincere, they haven’t been sharp in any respect to begin the season.) It’s not fanciful to surprise: if even simply a few these additional saves had gone a unique means, maybe the slender losses to the Milan golf equipment may’ve been attracts as a substitute, giving the Giallorossi an excellent bigger lead over the remainder of the Italian desk.
With a fierce, scientific assault like Napoli coming to city, a clear sheet from Svilar would assist solidify Roma’s objectives for the season much more than a win will. Romanisti know that their hopes for CL soccer (and extra) rely on Svilar, in a means this membership hasn’t felt because the Francesco Totti period. There’s not way more that anybody can ask of Svilar—Totti is aware of he’s given his all for this membership, and we simply must hope that he’ll stick round for a number of extra years to return. But when he stands tall towards Napoli, the Giallorossi trustworthy may have much more license to dream of success than they’ve in years. No stress.