Roma Lead Serie A in Surprise Fashion Before Napoli Showdown and Title Challenge

Roma sit at the top of Serie A unexpectedly as they prepare for Sundays match against Napoli, a game that could reveal if Gian Piero Gasperinis team are genuine contenders.

Last Italian champions in 2001, Roma hold a two point lead over defending champions Inter and AC Milan in the tight race for the Scudetto early on.

Roma appear improbable title hopefuls, having missed out on Champions League qualification since 2018, with their supporters enduring just one trophy in the past 17 years.

Yet Roma have performed as Serie As strongest side through 2025, earning 76 points from 32 games, ten more than Napoli, while letting in only 17 goals, the fewest in the league during that span.

Moreover, their victory at Cremonese last weekend indicated that Roma may have resolved their goal scoring struggles, thanks to sharp finishing that propelled the Roman outfit to the summit.

Gasperini must observe from the sidelines following his ejection at Stadio Giovanni Zini, where he erupted in celebration alone after Evan Ferguson snapped a year long drought just post dismissal.

Nevertheless, his impact is evident on both squad and supporters, who are known for impatience in tough times and getting swept up in success.

Fans created street art in the capital portraying Gasperini as a magician brewing a success elixir from determination, passion, and effort.

"That is exactly what we require, plus perhaps some extra flavour and seasoning," quipped Gasperini on Sunday.

Roma halted Midtjyllands flawless Europa League run on Thursday, and Gasperini has shown adaptability, with absences of forwards Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala failing to derail them.

Napoli have regained momentum though, following Tuesdays 2-0 victory against Qarabag that bolstered Antonio Contes position in the Champions League, after a solid win over Atalanta last weekend.

Conte appeared transformed from the figure who refused to "follow the deceased" after a dismal loss to Bologna prior to the international window.

He continues to manage numerous injuries, but with Romelu Lukaku sidelined, Rasmus Hojlund returns after featuring against Qarabag for Denmark.

Also in contention are Bologna, winless in draws for two months and trailing Roma by three points in fifth, prior to hosting Cremonese, alongside rising Como.

Como sit in a European slot above Juventus thanks to Mondays 5-1 thrashing of Torino, and a Friday triumph over Sassuolo would see Cesc Fabregass side briefly match Bologna and Inter Milan on 24 points.

Player to watch: Matias Soule

Dybalas ongoing fitness issues have affected Roma far less this term due to the rise of compatriot Soule, who is thriving under Gasperini.

The forwards energetic opener at Cremonese marked his fifth goal across competitions this season, and the 22 year old will bring creativity beside local hero Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Soule has now matched his previous campaigns total and remains vital for Romas push to defeat Napoli and maintain their lead.

Key stats

3 - Points dividing the top five in Serie A.

24 - Years since Romas last Serie A triumph in 2001.

Fixtures (times GMT)

Friday

Como v Sassuolo (1945)

Saturday

Genoa v Verona, Parma v Udinese (1400), Juventus v Cagliari (1700), AC Milan v Lazio (1945)

Sunday

Lecce v Torino (1130), Pisa v Inter Milan (1400), Atalanta v Fiorentina (1700), Roma v Napoli (1945)

Monday

Bologna v Cremonese (1945)