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[monks data]
Napoli logo
Serie A
Nov 1, 2014 at 2pm UK
 
Roma logo

2-0

Higuain (3'), Callejon (85')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Napoli vs. Roma

Sports Mole looks ahead to Saturday's Serie A clash between Napoli and Roma.

Napoli failed to take the opportunity to move into the top three of the Serie A table in midweek, and face the difficult task of moving up this weekend when they take on title contenders Roma.

Rafael Benitez's job was thought to be under threat earlier this season, but the former Liverpool boss has guided an unbeaten six-match record in Italy's top flight.

The seventh-placed side were close to taking nothing away from their clash against Atalanta BC on Wednesday evening until Gonzalo Higuain struck in the 86th minute to equalise.

Napoli had the chance to win the game when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but the former Real Madrid man had his effort saved.

Last season, Napoli were beaten 2-0 by Roma on away turf, but managed to seal a 1-0 victory at home, which is the last time the two clubs faced each other.

For Roma, Rudi Garcia's side have emerged as title contenders due to having just one blemish on their league record so far after nine games - a 3-2 defeat to league leaders Juventus.

Despite losing to the Old Lady earlier this month, Roma are equal on 22 points with their rivals, and both clubs have plus 12 goals, but Garcia's side arguably have a tougher fixture against Napoli while Juve face Empoli, who are lingering above the relegation zone.

Mattia Destro and Daniele de Rossi found the scoresheet in Roma's 2-0 win over Cesena on Wednesday, and both are likely to keep their places for this weekend's encounter.

For the home side, Higuain and Jose Callejon are expected to provide the attacking threat on Saturday.

Recent form

Napoli: DWWDWD

Roma: WWLWDW

Possible starting lineups

Napoli: Rafael; Ghoulam, Koulibaly, Albiol, Maggio; Mertens, Hamsik, Inler, David Lopez; Callejon, Higuain

Roma: Skorupski; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Cole; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Iturbe, Destro, Gervinho

Sports Mole says: 2-2


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Written by
Danielle Joynson
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Rafael Benitez head coach of Napoli during the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off first leg match between SSC Napoli and Athletic Club on August 19, 2014
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Napoli19142330121844
2Atalanta BCAtalanta18132343202341
3Inter Milan17124145153040
4Lazio1911263327635
5Juventus18711030151532
6Fiorentina1895431181332
7Bologna177732521428
8AC Milan177642617927
9Udinese197482328-525
10Roma196582624223
11Torino195681924-521
12Empoli194871822-420
13Genoa194871627-1120
14Parma194782534-919
15Hellas VeronaHellas Verona1961122442-1819
16Como184682030-1018
17CagliariCagliari1945101832-1417
18Lecce1945101131-2017
19VeneziaVenezia1935111832-1414
20Monza1917111727-1010


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