Serie A: Could there be a 'Sun Derby' for the Scudetto?

07/10/2025 15:11:00 ChampionChatter

After Milan’s 0-0 draw against Juventus, Napoli has returned to the top of Serie A by beating Genoa 2-1. Meanwhile, an unexpected AS Roma is keeping pace, also reaching 15 points following their comeback 2-1 victory at Fiorentina.

For more than twenty years, from Roma’s championship in 2001 until Napoli’s triumph in 2023, the Scudetto was almost exclusively a story for the northern giants. During that time, Napoli and Roma alternated as formidable challengers, often finishing second, but they never truly competed directly for the title. Now, although the new season is just starting, the close competition between the two leading southern football flags is sparking hope that northern dominance may be challenged by the rise of these southern neighbors.

Napoli and the power of the reigning champion

Napoli is still performing strongly in their title defense journey, even though their wins have often been tougher than expected. Four out of their six victories this season have been by a single goal. The important thing is that they have won and remain at the top of the standings after six rounds, despite being heavily affected by injuries to key players. Most recently, Stanislav Lobotka and Matteo Politano had to leave the field in the match against Genoa. Coach Antonio Conte openly expressed concern, calling this "the toughest season," because his squad has nine inexperienced newcomers unfamiliar with the pressure of playing every 3-4 days. However, this is the inevitable reality any club competing in both Serie A and the Champions League must face.

The current savior for Napoli is Rasmus Hojlund, the "discarded" striker from Manchester United. The Danish forward is fitting in perfectly, consistently scoring decisive goals. In just five appearances for Napoli, he has scored four goals (two in Serie A, two in the Champions League), and whenever he scores, Napoli wins. Conte believes he can develop Hojlund into an exceptional player, and this faith is being justly rewarded. With the 22-year-old striker’s improving form and the outstanding leadership of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku can rest comfortably while recovering, awaiting his return to the field.

A Napoli-Roma race for the Scudetto would bring an exciting new element

Roma and Gasperini’s tenacity

If Napoli represents the proven strength of a champion, Roma is a fascinating surprise. Under the guidance of "wizard" Gian Piero Gasperini, the Giallorossi demonstrate astonishing resilience and efficiency. Completely opposite to his attack-obsessed image at Atalanta, Gasperini has transformed Roma into a defensive fortress, conceding only two goals in six matches. He has helped a team without a strong striker win consistently, based on an elite defensive foundation and a unique mental weapon he previously created at Atalanta.

Roma’s mental strength was most evident when they defeated Fiorentina right after suffering a demoralizing Europa League loss to Lille (missing all three penalties awarded). They don’t score many goals but defend extremely well, possessing a tight tactical system and the courage to protect narrow leads. Gasperini admitted after the Fiorentina victory: "We had spaces to counterattack but felt tired and tried to manage the game as best as possible." Still, he was not satisfied with the attack: "We can improve in offense. We all need to enhance our attacking skills to score more goals." Although Roma has yet to face truly big challenges, their pragmatic and effective approach is a factor that cannot be overlooked.

In the colorful picture of this year’s title race, with all five traditional powers (Juventus, Milan, Inter, Roma, and Napoli) present in the top five, Napoli’s consistency and Roma’s rise could create a thrilling internal battle for the South. With the talent, determination, and experience of veteran coaches Conte and Gasperini on the sidelines, fans have every reason to dream of a "Sun Derby" (the common name for the match between these two teams) for the Scudetto.

Inter acts as the "Arbiter"

Napoli and Roma currently share the top of the standings but doubts remain. The reason: Roma has not yet faced a truly strong opponent, while Napoli lost their first big match (1-2 at Milan). Therefore, both need to prove more, and coincidentally, Inter will be the next challenge awaiting them.

Specifically, in round 7, right after the October FIFA break, Roma will host Inter. Inter is the most formidable opponent for the Italian capital’s team. In the last 10 meetings, Roma lost 9 times, winning only once, and that single victory was not even at the Olimpico. In round 8, Napoli faces Inter with a similarly poor record: just one win in the last 13 encounters (6 draws, 6 losses).

Inter is regaining stability with five consecutive wins across all competitions, including three in Serie A. They will serve as the "Arbiter" to test the real strength of Roma and Napoli.

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