Roma travel to face Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with kick-off at 17.00 UK time and 18.00 CEST. Gian Piero Gasperini spoke before the Serie A fixture as Bryan Cristante returned to the starting XI for the first time in over a month.
Gasperini on the fixture
Gasperini told DAZN Italia: "It’s a top level fixture with many important players, two of the best teams in the league, so it’s a big game."
Confirmed Gasperini: "It is early days in the season, but undoubtedly if we win away to Napoli, it would be another show of strength and a big push forward in terms of self-belief."
Cristante back in the side
Confirmed Gasperini: "Cristante is an important player because we often had to use the same figures in that role due to injuries, he also makes us a more versatile team, because we can play with two in midfield and push someone else forward. He can give us different variables during the match."
Football Italia reported that it remains to be seen who is in the more advanced role out of Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli, in support of Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé.
Football Italia reported that it is possible Cristante is going to follow Napoli playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
Roma absentees
Football Italia reported that Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a serious thigh tear and will be out for several months. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are on Roma's absentee list.
Recent results against Napoli
Roma have not beaten Napoli since a 2-0 home result in December 2023, managing three draws and two losses.
Roma's most recent victory in Naples was a 4-2 result in March 2018, followed by four stalemates and as many defeats.