<p><em>Roma have struggled for consistency this season under Gian Piero Gasperini, sitting in fourth place. Napoli, currently third and chasing the Scudetto defence, should be favourites at the Maradona.</em></p> <p>But Antonio Conte's squad has been dealing with injuries, and Donyell Malen's arrival has given Roma a cutting edge they've lacked for months.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>Serie A, Matchday 25</li> <li><strong>Venue: </strong>Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy</li> <li><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, February 15, 2026</li> <li><strong>Start Time:</strong> 5:45 AM AEDT (Monday, February 16)</li> </ul> <h2>Napoli vs Roma Head to Head and Recent Form</h2> <p>This Derby del Sole has historically favoured the Partenopei. Napoli have won 16 times in their last 37 meetings with Roma, with Roma claiming 12 victories and nine matches ending level. The reverse fixture finished 1-0 to Napoli in November 2025, though Roma salvaged a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico in February 2025.</p> <p>Napoli's form has been solid if unspectacular. The 3-2 win over Genoa showed their attacking capabilities, with Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay combining for 12 league goals this season. However, they've been more vulnerable than their third-place standing suggests.</p> <p>And also, let's face it, they only managed to secure a win after an extremely dubious penalty assigned to them after five minutes of extra time.</p> <p>Roma's recent form has been inconsistent. They've shown defensive solidity under Gasperini but have struggled to find the clinical edge needed to turn draws into wins. Although much of it has changed in January, when Malen joined from <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league">the Premier League</a>.</p> <h2>Malen's Arrival Changes the Equation</h2> <p>Conte has been vocal about Napoli's injury situation. Matteo Politano, Alex Meret, and Amir Rrahmani are all sidelined with muscle and shoulder problems. The squad depth that carried them through autumn has evaporated.</p> <p>Roma aren't without concerns. Paulo Dybala's knee issue makes him doubtful, while El Shaarawy and Hermoso remain unavailable. The difference is Malen. The forward / winger has hit the ground running since his January move from Aston Villa, scoring in consecutive appearances and bringing a directness Roma have desperately needed.</p> <p>Romelu Lukaku will lead Napoli's line, but his isolation against Roma's compact defensive structure could prove problematic.</p> <h2>Napoli vs Roma Betting Markets</h2> <p>For the full range of <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/italy/italian-serie-a">Serie A odds</a> and markets, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>The draw has been a common result for Roma, and the current price reflects that. However, their performances suggest they're closer to winning than losing. With both teams missing key personnel and defensive solidity at a premium, the unders market holds appeal. For more insights on betting Italian football, our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/serie-a-betting-guide-2025-26">Serie A betting guide</a> covers the key markets and strategies.</p> <h2>Napoli vs Roma Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>Roma have genuine motivation to claim a result here. A win would see them climb the table and put Champions League qualification firmly in their own hands.</p> <p>Malen's form has been the catalyst Roma needed. His pace and movement offer something Gasperini hasn't had at his disposal all season.</p> <p>Napoli's injury concerns mean Conte is working with a reduced squad, and the home advantage that usually makes the Maradona a fortress feels diminished.</p> <p>This won't be a thriller. Roma have built their recent form on defensive discipline. Expect a tight, tactical affair where one moment of quality decides it. With Malen in this kind of rhythm, Roma have that match-winner. Back Roma and under 2.5 goals as the combination play.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/biggest-soccer-stadiums-world">The world's most iconic football stadiums — and what makes them special</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">How to bet on the Champions League like a pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/richest-footballers">Which footballers have made the most money from the beautiful game?</a></li> </ul>