Roma vs Napoli Tips: Bet Builder Predictions and Best Bets

Our Roma vs Napoli tips conclude Matchday 16 in Serie A this Saturday as both teams are chasing Bologna, who, surprisingly, occupy the fourth spot. José Mourinho, who has publicly said he wants to continue to manage Roma in the future, needs to finish the year on a high.

On Tuesday, Napoli suffered a humiliating elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of newly promoted Frosinone. As always, our Italian Football expert, Daniele Fisichella, delivers three tips for the big match.

Roma vs Napoli Tips and Bet Builder Predictions

• Roma vs Napoli Tip 1: Napoli Asian Handicap 0.0 AH
• Roma vs Napoli Tip 2: Under 2.5 Goals
• Roma vs Napoli Tip 3: Victor Osimhen Anytime Goalscorer

bet365 Bet Builder Odds: 6.50

Also in this article:

• Roma vs Napoli Team News
• How to watch Roma vs Napoli
• Safer Gambling

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Roma vs Napoli Tip 1: clouds all over the ‘Derby del Sole’

Italy, Serie A, Saturday, December 23rd, 19:45 (UK)

It is going from bad to worse for Napoli. Last Saturday’s win against Cagliari was quickly overshadowed by a disastrous home performance against Frosinone in Coppa Italia that led to a 4-0 defeat.

At the moment, nothing looks easy for the champions; despite the change of manager, they still don’t play with the same confidence as they did last year (will they ever reach those heights again, though?) and keep shipping goals.

Against Cagliari, the good news came at the other end of the pitch with last campaign’s top goalscorer, Victor Osimhen, netting his eighth of the season and providing a sublime assist after wiggling his way through three defenders in the box for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

It was the fifth goal of the campaign for the Georgian (and 30th goal involvement since August 2023), who has been struggling to find his best form. Napoli’s left winger is no longer the new kid on the block in Italy, and teams have learned how to contain him, often doubling up on him. But the return of Mario Rui (eight assists last season) from injury on that side of the Azzurri formation can represent a great boost for Kvara.

• Roma vs Napoli Tip 1: Napoli Asian Handicap 0.0 (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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Roma vs Napoli Tip 2: fear of losing might prevail

In fairness, both teams have struggled defensively this season, having kept just four clean sheets in Serie A (Napoli have conceded in five out of six Champions League matches).

Whereas Roma have the partial alibi of the many injuries, Napoli have simply looked less able than a year ago to control games and defend in wide areas if they get caught on the break.

The good news for Mourinho is the return of Romelu Lukaku from suspension. The Belgian has scored three times in his last four outings with the Giallorossi, bringing his season tally to 20 with club and country. Without him (and Paulo Dybala, who’ll miss the rest of 2023 due to a muscular injury), Roma barely laid a glove on Bologna last Sunday.

In their 2-0 defeat at the Renato Dall’Ara, Roma’s xG was 0.57 (the second lowest of the matchday behind Empoli, who have Serie A’s worst attack).

It was only the third time the team from the Italian capital failed to score in Serie A this season, but the Giallorossi have found the net in their last 22 games played at the Olimpico.

• Roma vs Napoli Tip 2: Under 2.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 1.63
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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Roma vs Napoli Tip 3: will Osimhen deliver a present?

This game is known as the ‘Derby del Sole’ (the derby of the sun), but heavy clouds loom over both clubs. In fact, both teams have fewer points in the table compared to last season: minus five for Roma and a staggering -14 for the current champions.

A defeat could seriously compromise each team’s chances to finish in the top four, and the game, as it often happens in these clashes between top sides in Serie A, might well be a cagey, nervy affair that gets decided by one or more episodes.

An old cliche? Maybe, but this season, Roma’s games against clubs who finished in the top seven last season have produced just six goals, and, despite their individual brilliance, Napoli, collectively, have been below par so far.

Ultimately, it might need something special from a top player to break the impasse, and in this case, nobody would be more suited than Victor Osimhen.

His strength and super technical skills ultimately won Napoli their last league game, and the recent winner of the African Ballon D’or often delivers in big matches.

• Roma vs Napoli Tip 3: Victor Osimhen Anytime Goalscorer (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 9/10

Go with our tip at bet365

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Roma vs Napoli Team News: Rom to the rescue

José Mourinho is looking to confirm the same XI that lost 2-0 in Bologna with the only exception of Romelu Lukaku, who returns from suspension and will replace Andrea Belotti up front. For Roma Smalling, Aouar, Dybala, and Abraham are still unavailable.

After a big turnover (nine changes) in the Coppa Italia midweek against Frosinone, Napoli will return to their strongest formation on Saturday. There will be two alterations from the team that beat 2-1 Cagliari last week: Zielinski will replace Cajuste in the middle, and Mario Rui will play at left-back, with Natan replacing former Roma defender Juan Jesus at centre-back. Oliveira and Elmas are not available for Walter Mazzarri.

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How to watch Roma vs Napoli

• Date and Time: Saturday, December 23rd, 19:45 (UK)
• How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): TNT Sports

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SAFER GAMBLING

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