SSC Napoli vs AS Roma: Combined XI

While the El Clasico headlines the list of fixtures this Sunday, back in Italy, fierce rivals Napoli and Roma gear up for a tough encounter that's going to further exacerbate one of these side's early-season run-in.

The Partenopei are second in the table, but already trailing the runaway leaders Juventus by seven points. A 3-0 vanquish at the hands of Sampdoria and a 3-1 defeat to the Bianconeris have been the only two setbacks so far.

But circumstances in Rome are far grimmer: a stop-start beginning to the campaign - two draws and three defeats in nine games - sees them languish seventh in the table with only 14 points, and another defeat at the San Paolo could prove disastrous to their Champions League hopes.

Contrastingly, both teams are performing really well in Europe, and are coming off the back of some handsome results in the midweek. Napoli held PSG to an encouraging draw while Roma cruised at home over Moscow. The team that would be able to emulate a similar level of grit and character might take this game.

Here's how Napoli and Roma would stack up in a combined XI:

Goalkeeper: Davide Ospina

Ospina has been a good inclusion for Napoli

Ospina may have had polarised opinions about him at Arsenal, but he's been a fine goalkeeper with Napoli. Albeit only starting four league games out of eight, he's managed a clean sheet in two and pulled of 15 saves, most of which came in the Juventus and Sassuolo games, where his heroics caught attention from all quarters.

His experience may hold him in a good stead to start ahead of Karnezis in this game, though Ancelotti has shown faith in him whenever Napoli have played big sides this season.

Left-back: Aleksandr Kolarov

Kolarov has upped his game since joining Roma in 2016

Statistically the most prolific fullback last season in Europe, Kolarov is yet to hit those heights this term, but that isn't to suggest he's been bad. Kolarov has already netted twice in the league and also created a handful of good chances.

He was the best player for Serbia at the World Cup, and with time, would surely be back to his marauding best.

Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly

Koulibaly doesn't get the attention he deserves

The Senegalese defender is an underrated player, but quiet the ace in Serie A. He's been the defensive rock in this Napoli side for the last four years now and has played an important role in helping keep four clean sheets this term.

His ability to sniff out danger has averaged 3.1 clearances while also making 1.8 tackles per game. Koulibaly could once again prove to be a tough nut for Roma to crack.

Centre-back: Kostas Manolas

Manolas is an all-action defender: he tackles, he charges out of his zone, he pops up with important goals (howdy, Barcelona?), and he also lays assists sometimes. The Greek centre-back looked out of sorts amid Roma's erratic run this term but is slowly getting back to his best.

And the timing couldn't have been more perfect. His defensive nous would be crucial against an attacking side like Napoli, while his interventions at the other end, during set-pieces, can come handy too.

Right-back: Alessandro Florenzi

Florenzi continues to work his magic from the right-back position

A midfielder by trade, Florenzi has been operating from the fullback position for quiet sometime and seems to be at home as a right-back. This season, he's already scored and assisted once each, while defensively too, he has been one of the better players for the Giallorossis.

His crosses have improved and ability to pick out passes from the right has added a new dimension to Roma's attack.

Defensive midfielder: Allan

Allan is fast becoming a reckoning force in the mid

Jorginho's departure has seen Allan assume the role of the midfield anchor. And with a 91.8 pass success rate, can be considered a passmater quiet like the Chelsea man. He has proved to be a great protective cover for the back four, making a staggering 4.7 tackles per game, while his propensity to break forward has also yielded two assists. Allan is the key to the balance between Napoli's defence and offence.

Left winger: Stephan El Shaarawy

The Italian international may play second fiddle to Dzeko, but his contributions are undeniable. El Shaaraway has netted twice and also assisted once in it 6 starts. His average of almost 2 key passes per game also trump's Dzeko's 1.4. He'd be crucial to create space for other attackers or lay crosses for the likes of Dzeko or Under to make a meal of.

Central midfielder: Marek Hamsik

Carlo Ancelotti's rotation policy has seen Hamsik make only five starts in the league, but the veteran, now in his 11th season with Napoli, remains a key figure. His pinpoint passes and superb vision keeps the cog in this side turning. Hamsik's pass success of 88.3% is also the highest in the team among players with at least 6 starts. He'd be essential in winning the midfield battle.

Right winger: Jose Callejon

The Spaniard's been a different beast since he joined Napoli in 2013 from Real Madrid, scoring and assisting at a frightening rate. And although he's yet to open his account for the season, Callejon is Napoli's most creative player so far with 16 chances created in the league which includes three assists - joint third-highest at this stage. His creative influence down the right would be pivotal in Roma's undoing.

Striker: Edin Dzeko

AS Roma's otherwise prolific attack hasn't clicked so far this season, netting only 16 times in seven games. Their Bosnian hitman too has struggled to fire and netted only twice so far.

But if someone can lift the Giallorossis up against Napoli, then that has to be Dzeko. He struck twice in a memorable 4-2 win at the San Paolo earlier this year and has often come up with the goods in big games like this.

Striker: Lorenzo Insigne

Insigne's fitness is a cause of concern for the hosts

Krzysztof Piatek's sensational run of 9 goals has taken Serie A by storm. But Insigne isn't far behind, striking 6 times to remain hot on the Pole's coat-tails. He picked up a knock in the recent Champions League game to PSG and would be assessed ahead of the clash. But it would be a massive boost for the hosts if he's deemed fit enough to feature.

Edited by Sripad