View from the Opposition: Napoli

Sunday evening sees another classic of Italian football take place: as Roma host Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico.

Ahead of the contest (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), we spoke to Mattino journalist Gianluca Agata to get his perspective on Luciano Spalletti's side and Napoli's season so far...

Here's what Agata had to say...

Napoli is renowned as a superstitious city - but are they starting to talk about the title there now?

"The fans are more superstitious than the city! Nevertheless, right now there is a lot of excitement and energy about the place. But rather than talking about winning the title, people are talking about whether this side has the wherewithal to perhaps win the Scudetto.

"People are wondering if this side also has the ability to respond and react to any obstacles that might be thrown up between now and the end of the season - including the Africa Cup of Nations, where Osimhen, Koulibaly and Anguissa could all be missing.

"It's in the nature of the Napoli fans to be a bit wary of believing too much in anything. Clearly the game against Roma will say a lot about Napoli's prospects. But I think before anyone really starts to believe we will have to wait until we are into 2022."

What's the secret behind the team's eight wins in eight games so far?

"There's a calmness about the team, who are learning about what they are capable of with each passing game. Spalletti also deserves a lot of credit for making all the members of the squad play an important role in the contest - even if they aren't 'stars' like some of the others. The success is one of the collective, with Spalletti having brought the best out of all of them."

What are the weaknesses then?

"They still don't know if they are a team that can dig deep and get through adversity - to overcome tough spells in games, even if against Torino they came away with the sort of classic 'dirty' win that gives an indication that maybe they can. In other years the would have drawn that game, or perhaps lost it."

After the defeat in Norway, what are you expecting from Roma on Sunday?

“Roma's loss in Norway doesn't diminish the quality of the squad - it won't be a Roma incapable of defending itself. The heavier the defeat, usually the stronger the desire is to bounce back.

"Mourinho will know how to manage the atmosphere around the club. So Napoli will be facing a really angry side, who will be looking to replicate much of the performance they put in against Juventus in Turin - where they lost but didn't deserve to."

Do you think Spalletti has any special tactical plans in place for Sunday?

"I don't think Napoli are going to go away from their nature - although obviously in Italy you always need to react somewhat to what the opposition wants to do. If you don't do that then obviously you are taking big risks."

Where are the biggest threats in this Roma side, do you think?

"Mourinho has brought a new enthusiasm and fire around the place and I think that, aided by the fact the stadium will be full of fans, could be an extra weapon for the team - a team that has already shown they can perform well from game to game."

What's your prediction for the game?

"It's a marking post for Napoli this season, this game. Winning would mean that everyone can start to really believe that something special can happen. I think that it will be a great game, and that perhaps it will end in a deserved draw for both sides."