Both teams have collected six points since the previous weekend. Roma won against Sassuolo and Parma, two matches they were expected to win, while Napoli defeated Inter and Lecce. The match against Inter was a tactical masterclass by Conte, showcasing Napoli's intensity and organization, and exposing Inter's weaknesses.

This victory was a significant one for Conte, who demonstrated his ability to influence the emotional rhythm of the game and unsettle his opponents. The match also saw Kevin De Bruyne suffer an injury, which will keep him out for several months. Despite this setback, Scott McTominay and Franck Anguissa scored crucial goals, securing the win for Napoli.

Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu scored a goal, but it was ultimately not enough to change the outcome of the game. The match also saw heated exchanges between Conte and Inter's management, but the league table tells a different story, with Napoli now three points ahead of Inter.

Napoli's next match is against Como, a challenging test that could help them gain ground, especially since Roma, who is also level on points with Napoli, will be facing Milan. Roma has a good opportunity to gain an advantage, as Milan is dealing with several injury problems.

Gasperini's Roma is evolving steadily, with the coach experimenting with different attacking formations. He has tried various combinations, including using two attacking midfielders behind a striker and Paulo Dybala as a false number nine. Against Sassuolo, Roma won with a goal from Matias Soulé, who was asked to spend more time in the box. Against Parma, Gasperini initially opted for a different formation, but after an injury, he reverted to the falso-nueve system, introducing Leon Bailey, who did not impress.

The change did not entirely work, but Dovbyk's introduction in the second half proved successful, as he scored a brilliant goal, showing his worth despite previous criticism. Gasperini should consider playing him with wingers or trequartisti to assist him, as that would be the best way to exploit his skills.

Roma's next match is against Milan, a team struggling with injuries and absences. A win would not only be a statement but also mean that Roma is truly entering the conversation for major honors. Roma and Napoli will continue their parallel journeys with the same ambition, and their direct showdown later in the season promises to be a defining moment of the campaign.