Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain Getty

Napoli will take on AS Roma in the first Derby del Sole of the 2014/15 Serie A season at Stadio San Paolo on Saturday.

Overview

The kick-off is at 2pm GMT. There is no live coverage of the match in the UK.

Napoli come into this crucial fixture after their last league clash against Atlanta ended in a 1-1 draw away from home. Former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain's 86<sup>th minute strike helped Rafale Benitez's side avoid defeat after Germán Gustavo Denis had given lead to the hosts.

The Argentine international had a poor start to the season but he bounced back and has four goals to his name in the last two matches. The former Liverpool manager would be hoping his striker could continue his fine goal scoring form during the derby on Saturday.

Gervinho
Gervinho Getty

Meanwhile, Roma enter the weekend clash after registering a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cesena. Rudi Garcia's men suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in front of home fans in the Champions League clash where they conceded seven goals.

Roma has kept three clean sheets from four matches played in all competitions. Garcia would be looking to extend his side's defensive record when they face their local rivals in Derby del Sole on Saturday.

What Managers Say

Rafael Benitez: "We have seen that every team can drop points so we are aware that if we win we can close the gap [to Juventus and Roma].With the top teams we have always raised our level and this year it should be the same. We have seen both against Atalanta and Chievo that we managed to create many chances and we were controlling the game."

Rudi Garcia: "Our only thoughts right now are on the game at Napoli. Once that match is over, we will think about the game at Bayern Munich. We need to bring home a good result."

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Napoli to win: 7/5
  • Draw: 12/5
  • AS Roma to win: 2

Team Form

Napoli

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D W L D W
  • Last Result: Atlanta 1-1 Napoli

AS Roma

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D L W L
  • Last Result: AS Roma 2-0 Cesena

Team News

Rafael Benitez
Rafael Benitez Reuters

Napoli

Possible XI: Rafael; Ghoulam, Koulibaly, Albiol, Maggio; Mertens, Hamsik, Inler, David Lopez; Callejon, Higuain

AS Roma

Possible XI: Skorupski; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Cole; Pjanic, De Rossi, Keita; Iturbe, Destro, Gervinho