Serie A: Roma-Napoli for top spot, Inter need a response | OneFootball

The 13th day of Serie A promises to be decisive for the balance at the top of the standings. Milan has temporarily claimed the top spot, but the lead might be short-lived: Roma and Napoli face off tonight at 20:45 in a direct clash that could reshape the title race.

Serie A, dizzying night: Roma-Napoli for the top, Inter obliged to bounce back

Sunday also features crucial matches for Inter, Atalanta, and Torino, outlining a technical and tactical landscape of great interest.

Roma–Napoli (20:45): the showdown for the top

The duel between Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte is the symbolic match of this day. Both aim for the top spot and come into it with high motivation.

Roma, currently leading with 27 points, is called to make a mental leap: this season, they have always missed the mark in big matches, losing 1-0 to Milan and Inter. However, Gasperini believes that this time the conditions are different, also due to the European victory against Midtjylland, which restored morale and confidence.

The Roma coach seems inclined to relaunch Dybala as a false nine, supported by Soulé and Pellegrini. Celik and Wesley will operate wide, while Koné—if recovered—should reclaim his spot in midfield. Cristante remains the main alternative. In defense, Mancini will be tasked with providing balance and leading preventive marking.

Napoli presents itself with a finally defined tactical identity. Conte has found stability with his 3-4-3, a system that has revitalized offensive vigor and defensive solidity after complicated weeks. The trident Neres–Højlund–Lang will be confirmed, as well as the central chain Lobotka–McTominay. Di Lorenzo and Olivera will operate on the wings, while Rrahmani will be the linchpin of the defense completed by Buongiorno and Beukema. The Azzurri know that with a win, they would catch up with Milan at the top with 28 points.

Pisa–Inter (15:00): the moment of truth for Chivu

Before the evening's big match, Inter faces a test worth much more than three points. Cristian Chivu's team comes from two heavy defeats, against Milan in the league and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, which have reignited old fears. Despite dominating performances for large stretches, the Nerazzurri have paid for a lack of finishing in the opponent's area and some defensive lapses.

They will face an organized Pisa, which has always performed at its best against the big teams. They haven't conceded a goal at home for 432 minutes and are coming off six games without a loss. Gilardino is preparing a compact 3-4-2-1 with Leris and Tramoni behind Nzola.

Chivu responds with the starters: Acerbi returns in defense with Akanji and Bastoni, while Sommer remains the reference in goal. In midfield, there will be Calhanoglu, Barella, and Sucic, as Mkhitaryan and Zielinski will be managed with an eye on the Coppa Italia. On the wings, there is room for Dimarco and Luis Henrique. In attack, Thuram and Lautaro will lead the quest for redemption. Dumfries, Darmian, Di Gennaro, and Palacios are unavailable.

Lecce–Torino (at 12:30, halftime score 2-0 for the Salentini, goals by Coulibaly and Banda): crucial points for the relegation zone

The day opens with a clash that could overturn the lower part of the standings. Lecce, second to last with 10 points, needs an immediate boost to avoid getting trapped in the relegation battle. Di Francesco relies on Stulic as the center forward, supported by Berisha, Pierotti, and Sottil. The Coulibaly–Ramadani midfield line remains untouchable.

Torino, stuck at 14 points, presents itself with a deeply reorganized 3-5-2. Up front, Ngonge will be joined by Ché Adams, while Vlasic drops back to a mezzala role to provide more quality in possession. Pedersen and Lazaro will patrol the flanks.

Atalanta–Fiorentina (18:00): Palladino revisits his past

Atalanta must win to stay connected to the European zone after an inconsistent start to the season. The clear victory over Eintracht in the Champions League has restored confidence, but the match against Fiorentina hides many pitfalls.

Palladino relies on his key players: Lookman and De Ketelaere will operate behind Scamacca, while Bellanova and Zalewski will be on the wings. Ederson and Pasalic will guide the central area. In defense, there is room for Hien and Djimsiti.

For Fiorentina, it's a dramatic moment: last with 6 points, coming off a disappointing Conference League and in full emergency. Vanoli opts for a cautious 3-5-2, with Sohm at the center of the field and Dodò recovered at the last minute. Up front, Kean will be joined by Piccoli.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.