Napoli v Roma is one of the most recognisable fixtures in Italian football, bringing together two clubs with passionate supporters, proud traditions and a habit of producing memorable matches. Known as the “Derby del Sole”, or “Derby of the Sun”, the rivalry has developed over decades and regularly delivers drama, goals and the occasional footballing headache for both sets of fans.

The history of Napoli vs Roma stretches back to the early days of Italian football, with the fixture becoming increasingly significant as both clubs established themselves among Italy’s leading sides. Unlike a traditional city derby, the rivalry is shaped by geography, culture and regional pride, with Naples representing the south and Rome sitting at the heart of the country. That mixture gives every Napoli v Roma match an extra layer of importance.

Over the years, the two clubs have met hundreds of times across Serie A and other competitions. Their league record is remarkably competitive, with neither side able to claim complete dominance. According to Napoli’s official records, the teams had played 150 Serie A matches by October 2022, with Roma winning 52, Napoli winning 46 and 52 ending in draws.

The Derby del Sole

The nickname “Derby del Sole” captures the character of the fixture perfectly. Both cities are famous for sunshine, food, culture and football supporters who take their club very seriously indeed. Put those ingredients together and you get a fixture that rarely feels like just another Sunday afternoon in Serie A.

Although Napoli and Roma are not traditional local rivals, their meetings have often carried the atmosphere of a derby. The contrast between Naples and Rome, combined with the historical importance of both clubs, has helped turn Napoli v Roma into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Italian football calendar.

The rivalry has also been strengthened by the fact that both clubs have frequently competed for European qualification, domestic honours and places near the top of Serie A. When points are precious, a Napoli vs Roma fixture can feel less like a football match and more like a particularly stressful examination where nobody remembered to bring a pen.

Memorable Napoli v Roma Matches

There have been plenty of entertaining encounters between Napoli and Roma, but some results stand out. One of the more recent examples came in March 2018, when Roma stunned Napoli with a 4-2 victory away from home. It was an attacking contest that demonstrated just how quickly this fixture can turn into chaos.

Napoli have also enjoyed some impressive victories of their own. In November 2020, Napoli produced a convincing 4-0 win over Roma before following it with a 2-0 victory in Rome in March 2021. Those results formed part of a strong period for Napoli in this particular head-to-head.

More recently, the fixture has become considerably tighter. Napoli beat Roma 1-0 in November 2024 and again won 1-0 in Rome in November 2025. The most recent meeting, played on 15 February 2026, ended 2-2, underlining just how difficult it can be to separate these two sides.

Napoli v Roma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Home advantage has historically been important in this fixture. Napoli have built a particularly strong record against Roma in Naples, with the Italian club recording 39 wins, 26 draws and 25 Roma victories across 90 official meetings between the sides in Campania, according to Lega Serie A. Napoli had also scored in nine consecutive home matches against Roma at the time of the February 2026 meeting.

The atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona adds another dimension. Napoli supporters are renowned for creating an intense environment, and Roma travelling to Naples has traditionally meant facing not only 11 players but also a very vocal 12th man in the stands. For visiting teams, keeping calm can sometimes be almost as important as keeping possession.

A Rivalry That Continues

What makes Napoli v Roma fascinating is its balance. Both clubs have enjoyed periods of superiority, but neither has been able to completely dominate the fixture. Recent meetings have included narrow Napoli victories, Roma successes and several draws, ensuring that the historical rivalry remains highly competitive.

With two of Italy’s biggest football cities involved, Napoli vs Roma continues to offer everything supporters expect from a major Serie A fixture: history, passion, attacking football, pressure and plenty of talking points. The Derby del Sole may not be a traditional derby in the geographical sense, but its long history ensures that whenever Napoli face Roma, there is far more at stake than three points.