The former Italian midfielder said: “Roma will adopt a defensive posture because they are not in the physical, mental, or technical condition to impose their own game on Napoli.”

Napoli and Roma are gearing up for the super showdown on Sunday when the championship resumes — a pivotal match for both. Looking at the standings, the difference is vast, but the Giallorossi are hoping for the ‘Ranieri effect.’ The former blue midfielder Francesco Montervino spoke on ‘Radio Marte’ about the match: “On paper, there’s no contest between Napoli and Roma, but football has taught us that even incidents can decide the game. Ranieri is loved by everyone, he can bring stimuli to Roma and for this reason it certainly won’t be an easy match for Conte’s men. Ranieri’s primary goal will be to refuse defeat. However, this could work in Napoli’s favor: if Roma stays within its zone, the Blues can up their game and almost always manage to score a goal, with it being more complicated for them to concede. Roma will adopt a defensive stance as they are not in physical, mental, or technical condition to impose their game on Napoli. Lukaku? People would want him different, but he can only give what he is already giving. “His performance can and must improve, but there are also some tactical adjustments needed.”