Clash of the Contenders: Roma Put Napkin on Napoli as Serie A's Pace Tightens
28 November 2025
Roma vs Napoli: A pivotal top-of-the-table clash
Roma sits atop Serie A after 12 rounds, defying expectations as they prepare to host Napoli, the reigning champions, on Sunday in a decisive clash that could redefine the title race.
The last time Roma won the league was 2001, and now they sit two points clear of Napoli and Milan in a season that has produced a crowded scramble for the Scudetto from the start.
Historically, Roma have rarely looked like genuine title contenders in recent years, having not qualified for the Champions League since 2018 and waiting for over a decade to celebrate another league crown.
But 2025 has been different: Roma have been the best team in the league, collecting 76 points from 32 games and conceding just 17, the fewest in this period.
The change on the bench has mattered: a new attacking outlook under Gian Piero Gasperini has helped restore decisive finishing, culminating in the win over Cremonese that nudged Roma ahead at the summit.
Gasperini will watch from the dugout after being sent off at Giovanni Zini Stadium, a moment when Irishman Evan Ferguson ended a year-long goal drought just moments after the manager's red card.
Fans even painted a mural depicting him as a wizard blending grit, heart and sweat to conjure success.
Meanwhile, Roma's European form also shone as they knocked Midtjylland out of the Europa League, showing resilience despite injuries to Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala that did not derail the progress.
A wider battle for Milan, Inter and the European picture
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, bounced back with a win over Qarabag to strengthen their Champions League position after a dominant victory over Atalanta last week.
Conte, who previously warned he would not join the dead after Bologna's heavy defeat, continues to plan amid injuries; Danish star Rasmus Hojlund is available after facing Qarabag.
A bigger picture shows Milan's local power rising after a win over Inter, with Lazio's away form posing questions for the capital clubs.
Milan's 12-match unbeaten run (eight wins, four draws) with seven clean sheets underlines a fresh surge, especially ahead of a home date with Lazio.
Inter, coming off losses to Milan and Atletico Madrid, face Pisa away with Lukaku still sidelined; Danish youngster Hojlund is available.
In the mix, Bologna and Cremonese, Como and Sassuolo, plus a resurgent Juventus-Cagliari pairing hover near European spots.
Analysts warn the calendar could still hurt Roma if injuries accumulate, but for now the mood is bullish.
With the derby upcoming and Europe lurking, every match feels like a final.
And if all else fails, there's always room for a spectacular celebration, or at least a trophy-shaped pizza.
