S.S.C. Napoli vs. A.S. Roma: Lineups & Match Thread

While this year’s version of the Derby Del Sole might not pack the same punch as the challenges against last year’s Scudetto-winning side, today’s match is still critical for the Giallorossi’s hopes for Champions League qualification. It also marks the true beginning of a challenging series of matches for Roma, with the side facing Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Leverkusen again, and Atalanta between now and May 12. If Roma comes out of this stretch of matches with their hopes for Europa League glory alive and a solid hold on fifth place, it would be a massive testament to Daniele De Rossi’s ability as a manager.

Part of how DDR will be judged over the next few weeks will certainly be his ability to rotate when necessary without losing team cohesion and strength. Today’s lineup certainly fits the part, as Sardar Azmoun, Edoardo Bove, and Rasmus Kristensen enter the starting eleven, while Evan Ndicka returns to the pitch following his scary on-field collapse against Udinese. With Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Paredes unavailable today, Roma’s attacking is rather thin; don’t be too surprised if that translates to extended playtime for Tommaso Baldanzi in the second half of the match.

As always, you can follow along with us here in the comments section or on the Social Network Formerly Known As Twitter™. FORZA ROMA!

Lineups

Napoli

Roma