Napoli hosted AS Roma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona recently, and Derby Del Sole ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw as both teams battled until the end for a winner.
The draw does not serve either Napoli or Roma, even though it is always better than a loss, especially for Roma, who were playing an away game.
At the same time, we can say the same about Napoli, who were behind in the scoreline and could have lost the match if not for a late equaliser.
Therefore, both teams have their reasons for accepting the draw, while regretting not doing more to win the three points.
As things stand, Napoli are in third place in Serie A, three points ahead of Roma, who are fourth, one point above Juventus.
This means that the battle for the top four spots at the end of the season will be fierce between these three teams, mainly, while counting AC Milan, who are second as well.
That’s why collecting the highest number of points during this period is fundamental to securing more chances to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
In this tactical analysis article, we explore the impact of Gian Piero Gasperinis new attacking signings while discussing Antonio Contes in-game tactical flexibility issues.
Napoli Vs AS Roma Lineups & Formations
Antonio Conte started the match using a 3-4-3 formation, with Vanja Milinković-Savić as goalkeeper and a defensive line of Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, and Sam Beukema.
The midfield comprised Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas as central midfielders, Leonardo Spinazzola and Miguel Gutiérrez as wing-backs, Antonio Vergara and Matteo Politano as wingers, and Rasmus Højlund as the main striker.
On the other hand, Gian Piero Gasperini started the match in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal and a defensive line of three centre-backs: Gianluca Mancini on the right, Evan Ndicka in the centre, and Daniele Ghilardi on the left.
The midfield line featured Zeki Çelik and Wesley França as right and left wing-backs, with Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli as central midfielders.
In attack, Gasperini used both Bryan Zaragoza and Lorenzo Pellegrini as advanced playmakers, with the new recruit Donyell Malen as the main striker.
![Napoli Vs AS Roma [2–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: The Giallorossi Zaragoza-Malen Attacking Impact Vs Antonio Conte Lack Of In-Game Tactical Flexibility In Derby Del Sole – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Napoli-Vs-AS-Roma-2–2-–-Serie-A-20252026-The-Giallorossi-Zaragoza-Malen-Attacking-Impact-Vs-Antonio-Conte-Lack-Of-In-Game-Tactical-Flexibility-In-Derby-Del-Sole-–-Tactical-Analysis-1.png "Napoli Vs AS Roma [2–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Derby Del Sole Drama In The Top-Four Race – Tactical Analysis 2")
Roma New Attacking Signings Impact Vs Rasmus Højlund Central Role & Antonio Conte Flexibility Issues
The match started in a very competitive and entertaining way for viewers, as both teams relied on high pressing and tight man marking and were capable of launching attacks and counterattacks, creating a lot of balance between them in the first few minutes of the game.
That said, both teams were solid enough at the back and neutralised the opponent’s actions during that starting period.
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