Roma v Napoli: Rested Giallorossi to inflict more pain on Benitez

Roma’s quest for a record-breaking 10th Coppa Italia title continues with the first leg semi-final against Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico.

Rudi Garcia’s side, who are 3/4 for victory tonight, are unbeaten at home this season and firm favourites against a Napoli side lacking in confidence after a shock 3-0 defeat to Atalanta at the weekend.

Rafael Benitez’s side are 10/3 for a win at a place they have had just one success at in the last 20 years but with Gonzalo Higuain, Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne all expected to feature after sitting on the bench for Sunday’s defeat at the Stadio Atleti, they will hope to better that record.

But I Giallorossi, who have lost just one game this season against Serie A leaders Juventus, should be well rested after their match against Parma was halted after just 10 minutes due to the weather.

Garcia will have the upcoming Derby della Capitale but with 10 days rest in the bank, expect Roma to come out firing on all cylinders.

Francesco Totti and co will have fond memories of facing the Naples side having picked up a 2-0 home win against them earlier in the season.

Gli Azzurri will be desperate to avoid a repeat but with Roma in fine form in front of their home fans it is difficult to see anything different happening, with the 2-0 scoreline on at 15/2.

But the bet of the night could be over 2.5 goals in the match at 17/20. In three of Roma’s last four games over 2.5 goals have been scored and with both sides possessing excellent firepower, and defensive frailty in Napoli’s case, goals are expected to be high on the agenda in Rome.

Forward Gervinho was the hero against Juve in the last round and the former Arsenal man is 11/2 with Ladbrokes to fire the first goal.

For Napoli Gonzalo Higuain is the obvious danger to Roma’s chances and the former Real Madrid star, whose goal saw off Lazio in the quarter-final, is also 11/2 with the bookie to score first.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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