Upcoming Match: Roma vs. Napoli on Sunday
It has been 24 years since Roma last claimed the Scudetto, but the fans in the Eternal City are starting to feel hopeful after a strong start to the Serie A season. The last time Roma lifted the title in 2001, Hernán Crespo was the standout performer, netting 26 goals and earning a place in the hearts of the i Giallorossi supporters. Although Roma is one of Italy’s most esteemed clubs, they have only managed to win the Scudetto three times throughout their history.
Despite facing many challenging times over the years, there is a growing sense of optimism under the leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini. The 67-year-old coach previously revolutionized Atalanta during his decade-long tenure, leading them to their first major trophy with the Europa League title in 2024. With a knack for nurturing young talent and exceptional tactical insight, Gasperini is regarded as one of Europe’s top coaches, and he has propelled Roma to the top of the Serie A table ahead of Sunday’s match against reigning champions Napoli.
Roma’s Strong Start This Season
This Serie A season has been fiercely competitive, with only seven points separating the teams from seventh to first place. As matchday 13 approaches, Roma sits two points clear of AC Milan at the top of the league. The capital club boasts the sixth most valuable squad in Italy’s top division and continues to exceed expectations. Last season, Roma had a shaky start and had to rely on hometown hero Claudio Ranieri to turn things around. Under his guidance, the team secured a fifth-place finish on the final day of the season, earning a spot in Europe.
As illustrated in the graphic above, Gasperini has built on last season’s momentum, leading to substantial progress this year. Roma’s points per game have improved from 1.82 to 2.25, with their solid defense playing a crucial role in their success. Gasperini has adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation, and the defense has become a cornerstone of their achievements, conceding only six goals in 12 league matches—a record that matches the best in the top five European leagues alongside Arsenal. However, offensively, Roma has struggled, with only 15 goals scored, trailing behind six other Serie A teams, which could hinder their title aspirations.
Can Roma Claim the Scudetto?
It’s premature to suggest Roma will be in the title race as the season progresses. Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli have stronger squads than Gasperini’s team, and their encounter with Antonio Conte’s side on Sunday will be a true test of their title credentials. Roma has struggled against top competitors, having already suffered defeats to Inter and AC Milan. A victory at the Stadio Olimpico would boost confidence that they could have a memorable season. But do they have a realistic chance of winning the Scudetto? We reached out to Aniello Luciano, Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert, for his insights.
Luciano shared: “Roma has made significant tactical advancements under Gasperini in a short amount of time, which was unexpected during the summer. While the team is building on a good first half of the 2025 season, fans are currently enjoying the team’s progress without the pressure of high expectations. Roma is taking a balanced, day-by-day approach. Can they win the Scudetto? The squad may not be equipped for that, but if management supports him, Gasperini could enter the title race; however, we are still far from the finish line.”
