Serie A: Derby del Sole with Christmas Spice

AS Roma vs Napoli

The Derby del Sole in Serie A two days before Christmas—for passion and potential needle, neutrals could be in for a treat.

Napoli and Roma have actually been entertaining fans since their first meeting in 1928, which Roma won 4-1. Even the name, translated as “derby of the sun,” has a poetic richness to it.

The reality of the rivalry, however, has often been less pleasant than that nickname suggests.

Relations between the two sets of fans are currently at a low after clashes between rival fans in January dominated the headlines in the Italian press.

While travelling in buses to games in different parts of the country, the fans spotted each other and exchanged rocks, bottles, and fireworks on a motorway.

It is against that backdrop that the sides meet on Saturday evening in the capital.

Talking Points

Things have not always been this way. The clubs previously enjoyed good relations before things turned sour in 1987, during the most successful period in Napoli’s history, when a bad-tempered match in Rome ended with Napoli midfielder Salvatore Bagni clenching his fist – the gesto dell’ombrello – at the crowd. The friendship between the ultras was damaged and the rivalry changed.

Both teams come into the contest on the back of disappointing results.

Roma lost fourth place and ultimately slipped to seventh spot after a 2-0 reverse at Bologna.

In an ill-tempered contest, Nikola Moro swept home the opener before a ball deflected in off Rasmus Kristensen to put Thaigo Motta’s men in a fine fourth.

The Giallorossi had Romelu Lukaku and Nicola Zalewski suspended, plus Paulo Dybala, Houssem Aouar, Chris Smalling, Tammy Abraham, and Marash Kumbulla injured. This weekend, Lukaku and Zalewski are back, and Kumbulla could return, but the others remain out for Jose Mourinho’s team.

Napoli, who will be without Zambo Anguissa, Eljif Elmas, and Mathias Olivera, showed their character to see off Cagliari last weekend when Victor Osimhen was decisive with a towering header and a spectacular assist for Kvicha Kvaratskhelia in a 2-1 win.

Those results left Napoli in fifth, two points and three places above Roma in the race for the top four (although possibly the top five can qualify for the Champions League next term).

Yet they have suffered embarrassment since then after a midweek 4-0 home humbling in the Coppa Italia against Frosinone.

The Partenopei, who did rest a number of key players, also reached the Champions League last year, so Tuesday was unexpected.

2023 will always be remembered as the year Napoli proved they could be a champion again, even without their greatest son.

The club from Naples, and even their most ardent supporters, must realise a repeat is unlikely this term. However, they certainly will not want to fall from grace to the extent that they don’t even qualify for the Champions League which makes this clash with Roma, who are desperate to be back amongst Europe’s big boys themselves, potentially a pivotal encounter.

Talk about adding extra spice to an already-clear rivalry.

History

When you take their last 36 clashes it could barely be closer with 14 wins apiece and eight draws.

Napoli enjoyed a league double over Roma last season en route to the title.

A late Osimhen goal was enough to separate the teams in Rome, while Napoli ran out 2-1 winners at home in the return fixture as a superb first-half goal from Osimhen and a late decider from Giovanni Simeone gave them the points as they moved closer to ending their 33-year wait to win the Serie A title.

Roma have only won once at home in this encounter in the last six years – that came in 2019 when Nicolo Zaniolo and Jordan Veretout (penalty) were the scorers in a 2-1 victory.

Betting Tip

I remember covering this contest five years ago and, if there’s as many Serie A 2023 highlights this time around, it should be make for compelling fare.

There is very little to choose between the sides when you assess the SBOTOP Serie A 2023 betting odds.

Roma can be backed 1X2 @ 2.68 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.04.

Meanwhile, the champions are on offer: 1X2 at 2.44 and Asian Handicap 0.00 at 1.86.

If Napoli are to grab three points from the capital again, then how about they do it with a repeat scoreline, as Correct Score 0-1 will pay out at 7.60.

For goals—and often these contests are tight—it’s worth looking at over 2.25 at 1.83, under 2.25 at 2.05, total goal 0-1 at 2.95, 2-3 at 1.93, and 4-6 at 3.65.

With Roma missing key men and Napoli struggling to match last season’s heights, I think this has a festive share of the spoils written all over it, which is why my tip is 1X2 draw at 3.13.

 

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