View from the Opposition: The quickfire scouting report on Napoli

We asked La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Napoli correspondent Mimmo Malfitano to give us the lowdown on Maurizio Sarri’s side ahead of the big game at the Stadio Olimpico, including their likely starting 11 and which Roma player could hurt the Partenopei on Saturday night…

How have Napoli changed since last season and what are the club’s objectives for this campaign?

"Nothing has changed from a technical or tactical perspective, because the squad and playing system have remained the same. Only two players came in over the summer – Adam Ounas and Mario Rui – but neither are in Maurizio Sarri’s starting line-up yet.

"I think that there is a real feeling around the club that this is a proper team that can legitimately aim to win the Scudetto, which is in my opinion the main objective for Napoli this season. They’ve looked very convincing so far this season, albeit with 31 games left to play.

"I think Sarri’s side are among the favourites for the title. In comparison with the recent past, Napoli have acquired great confidence in their ability and that’s been shown when they’ve had to come from behind to win this season. In the past, they wouldn’t have won matches like Atalanta at home or SPAL away."

What system and which players will Sarri go for on Saturday night?

"We all know that Sarri plays with a 4-3-3 as standard. I think we’ll see a full-strength Napoli side at the Olimpico, given the importance of the game.

"Pepe Reina in goal, Elseid Hysaj, Raul Albiol, Kalidou Koulibaly and Faouzi Ghoulam at the back, Allan, Jorginho and Marek Hamsik in midfield and an attacking three of Jose Callejon, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne.

"Sarri said recently that Roma are the most organised team in the league so I’m almost certain that he’ll play his best team for this top-of-the-table clash."

Who is Napoli’s key man for the Roma match?

"The performances of the attacking three always play a key role in determining Napoli’s results, so I’ll go with the three forwards: Callejon, Mertens and Insigne. Napoli definitely have a solid defence and an organised midfield, but there aren’t many teams in Italy with that level of quality up top. Roma will need to keep a very close eye on the three of them."

If you could take one Roma player out of the game, who would it be?

"Right now I’d get rid of Alessandro Florenzi. I think he’s a great talent and I’m delighted to see him back on a football field. He’s one of Italy’s best players so we need to appreciate and support him.

If he plays deep on the wing it’ll be a good battle between him and Insigne, while if he’s further forward it’ll be equally interesting to see how he gets on against the Napoli defenders, not least Ghoulam."