John E. Sokolowski – USA Today Sports
The two best teams in the Serie A so far will clash on Friday as the current leader AS Roma, who have won all their previous matches so far, will take on Napoli in a very interesting match that will feature two of the most surprising sides in the start of the European season so far.
The Romanian side are unbeaten to start their year and they have been one of the most pleasant surprises not only in Italy, but in all of Europe. They have only received one goal against them and have scored 20 times, featuring solid elements at both ends of the pitch.
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Their attack is highlighted by former Arsenal star Gervinho and summer signing Adem Ljajic, who have been dominant so far. With the support of players like icon Francesco Totti, Danielle De Rossi and Kevin Strootman in midfield, Roma look as solid as they have been in recent years.
Napoli, on the other hand, replaced Edinson Cavani with former Real Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain, and the Argentinean hasn’t disappointed in his role as the offensive target of the San Paolo outfit. Marek Hamsik is still a key player as Napoli’s midfielder and the defensive duo of Paolo Cannavaro and Raul Albiol have become more and more solid at the season advances. They have scored 18 goals and only have four against them and they look as contenders even early in the campaign.
Prediction: Roma 2 – 1 Napoli
The hosts will rely on icons Francesco Totti and Danielle De Rossi to get an early lead thanks to their experience. Their overall superior chemistry and form will be enough for them to come out on top. The visitors will attack constantly, but they will be held to only one goal as Roma will continue to maintain the solid defense they have had since the start of the season.
Juan Pablo Aravena is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jparavenarant or add him to your network on Google
