Napoli vs Roma

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona prepares for a seismic clash this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Antonio Conte’s Napoli (3rd, 49 points) hosts Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma (5th, 46 points). Kick-off is set for 19:45 UTC.

This "Derby del Sole" carries immense weight for the Champions League race. Napoli is looking to bounce back from recent European disappointment and stay within striking distance of the Milan clubs at the top. Roma, invigorated by Gasperini's tactical overhaul and a recent win over Cagliari, knows that a victory in Naples would pull them level with their southern rivals.

Match Information

Napoli: Conte’s Tactical Grind

Despite some mid-winter stumbles, Antonio Conte has turned Napoli back into a title contender. However, the squad is currently grappling with a significant injury list that has tested their depth.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Absences: Napoli will be without creative maestro Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Other notable injuries include David Neres, Matteo Politano, and midfield engine Frank Anguissa.

• The "Højlund" Threat: Danish striker Rasmus Højlund has been the star of the season, recently netting a last-gasp winner against Genoa to take his tally to 12 goals in all competitions.

• Midfield General: Scott McTominay has become indispensable under Conte, leading the team in assists and providing the physicality needed for big matches.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Mazzocchi, Lobotka, McTominay, Miguel Gutiérrez; Noa Lang, Raspadori; Højlund.

Roma: Gasperini’s High-Octane Giallorossi

Since taking the helm, Gian Piero Gasperini has introduced his signature high-pressing, man-marking style to Rome. The results have been largely positive, though the team has lacked consistency in "big six" matchups away from home.

Team News and Selection:

• New Arrival Impact: Loan signing Donyell Malen has been a revelation, scoring twice in the win over Cagliari earlier this week. He is expected to lead the line alongside Matías Soulé.

• Key Absences: Roma travels without Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, both sidelined with hamstring issues. Defender Evan Ndicka is also being monitored but is likely to start.

• Creative Hub: Lorenzo Pellegrini remains the heartbeat of the side, while Manu Koné provides the industrial energy in the center.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ziolkowski; Celik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Pellegrini; Malen.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Season Record: Napoli won the reverse fixture 1–0 at the Olimpico in November 2025.

• The "Conte" Edge: Antonio Conte has a dominant record against Gasperini, winning 7 of their 11 managerial meetings.

• Home Fortress: Napoli has only lost twice at home in the league this season.

• Scoring Trend: 8 of the last 10 meetings between these two have seen Under 2.5 goals, suggesting a tactical, low-scoring affair.

Tactical Preview and Prediction

This match features a clash of philosophies: Conte’s disciplined, possession-based 3-4-2-1 versus Gasperini’s aggressive, man-to-man 3-4-2-1. Napoli will look to dominate the wings through Miguel Gutiérrez, while Roma will aim to disrupt Napoli’s build-up through Manu Koné’s tireless pressing.

Without De Bruyne and Dybala, the match may lack some individual brilliance, but the battle between McTominay and Pellegrini in the middle will be fierce. Given Napoli's home advantage and Conte's historical edge over Gasperini, the Partenopei are slight favorites.

Final Score Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Roma