Massimiliano Allegri stated that his Napoli squad must focus on defensive solidity and consistency as they prepare to face AS Roma in the eighth round of the Serie A season, reporting from the club’s training ground ahead of the fixture. The encounter, often referred to as the Derby del Sole or Derby del Sud, is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, kicking off at 18:00 local time at the Stadio Armando Maradona, Il Giornale d’Italia reported.

Napoli enters the weekend sitting ninth in the Serie A table with 10 points from seven matches, seeking to bounce back from a defeat against Venezia while building on a recent European victory over Bodo/Glimt, according to Il Messaggero. Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma side arrives following a victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, keeping pace near the top of the Italian league standings alongside Inter and Lazio.

Tactical Adjustments and Midfield Choices Around Kevin De Bruyne

Allegri indicated that his team’s tactical setup will be built around Kevin De Bruyne, whom the manager has stationed in the heart of the midfield. The Napoli coach explained that players of De Bruyne’s profile can operate in front of the defensive line or as part of a double pivot, providing vital flexibility alongside teammates Stanislav Lobotka and Billy Gilmour.

Managing squad fatigue remains a primary objective for the technical staff given the congested fixture list. Allegri noted that Lobotka featured heavily in the opening weeks of the campaign, making squad rotation essential during periods with three matches in quick succession. Final decisions regarding the starting lineup will be made following the team’s final training session.

Squad Fitness Updates Involving Rrahmani and Returning Midfielders

Defensive options face a minor hurdle with central defender Amir Rrahmani listed as running a fever ahead of the match, though the rest of the defensive unit is reported to be in good physical condition. Midfielders Scott McTominay and Frank Anguissa are working their way back to full fitness following respective layoffs.

Anguissa has not featured in a competitive fixture since September 5, after making 13 appearances during the previous campaign. Allegri said returning players need patience, as physical conditioning and mental recovery take time after extended absences.

Ticketing Restrictions and Broadcast Access for Supporters

AS Roma announced that ticket sales for the away section at the Stadio Maradona run until Saturday, October 24, at 18:00. Authorities have enforced a complete ban on ticket sales across all stadium sectors for residents of the Lazio region, restricting the away end strictly to holders of an AS Roma Fidelity Card who reside outside Lazio, AS Roma outlined.

For television viewers, the fixture will be broadcast live on DAZN at 18:00 local time. The platform has designated the match as a free-to-air broadcast accessible through its FreeZone Days registration option for users across Italy, with commentary provided by Pierluigi Pardo and Fabio Bazzani, Il Giornale d’Italia confirmed.