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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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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
1Napoli118121881025
2Inter Milan1173125131224
3Atalanta BCAtalanta1171329141522
4Fiorentina116412291322
5Lazio1171324141022
6Juventus115601971221
7AC Milan105231711617
8Udinese115151416-216
9Bologna103611211115
10Torino114251516-114
11Empoli1135389-114
12Roma113441214-213
13Hellas VeronaHellas Verona114071624-812
14CagliariCagliari11236919-109
15Genoa11236821-139
16Como112361222-109
17Parma111641417-39
18Monza111551014-48
19VeneziaVenezia112271019-98
20Lecce11227420-168


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