Introduction to derby
The Derby of the Sun is one of the Italians
football’s most enduring cross-town rivalries, the chests Naples
against Rome
in a confrontation that combines regional pride, contrasting identities and decades of life
History of the Series A. First contested in the late 1920s, the device has evolved
from a simple league meeting to a national talking point, shaped by the title
races, European classification battles and cultural rivalry between the
capital and the south. Unlike local derbies, this one is defined by geography
and ideology as much as football, with atmosphere, tension and tactics
shade almost guaranteed whenever the sides meet.
All-time head-to-head record
Over nearly a century of competitive football, Naples
i Rome
they have met regularly in Serie A and domestic cup competitions. Although individual
eras have decisively changed momentum one way or another, the overall record
it underlines the balance that has been the Derbi del Sole, with narrow margins
separating the two clubs by hundreds of goals and games.
((forebet.com)(
| Scope of competition | games | Naples wins |
draws | Rome wins |
Goals (Napoli) | Goals (Rome) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All competitive meetings | 189 | 58 | 61 | 70 | 209 | 238 |
| Serie A only | 151 | 47 | 53 | 51 | N/A | N/A |
| Italian Cup and other cups | 28 | 11 | 8 | 9 | N/A | N/A |
The totals suggest a slight historical lead for Rome,
particularly driven by the strong periods of the 50s-60s and early again
2000s The Naples
the most influential swings came during the era of Diego Maradona and in the modern era
period, when tactical continuity and local rule in Naples helped to close
the void Draws remain a defining feature, reflecting how often the derby
tightens rather than opens. ((forebet.com)(
Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)
The last meetings of the Derby del Sole have been largely held in the Series
A, with both clubs often chasing Champions League positions. These parties
they show a tendency towards tight scores, late goals and decisive moments
rather than fluid contests, emphasizing the tactical caution of the match
in the modern era. ((es.wikipedia.org)(
| date | competition | place | Naples | Rome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 30, 2025 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 1 | 0 |
| February 2, 2025 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 1 | 1 |
| November 24, 2024 | Series A | Diego Armando Maradona Stadium | 1 | 0 |
| April 28, 2024 | Series A | Diego Armando Maradona Stadium | 2 | 2 |
| December 23, 2023 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 0 | 2 |
| January 29, 2023 | Series A | Diego Armando Maradona Stadium | 2 | 1 |
| October 23, 2022 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 1 | 0 |
| April 18, 2022 | Series A | Diego Armando Maradona Stadium | 1 | 1 |
| October 24, 2021 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 0 | 0 |
| March 21, 2021 | Series A | Olympic Stadium | 2 | 0 |
The pattern points to a strong influence of place, with Naples
particularly hardy at home and Rome
more cautious in Naples. Several matches have been based on final or individual goals
decisive moments, while discipline and defensive form often overcome
the risk of attack, reinforcing the derby’s reputation as high risk and low margin
competition ((es.wikipedia.org)(
Key players and rivalries by era
Classic Era (1950s-1970s)
In the post-war decades, from Rome
Dino I
coast i The Naples
Attila Sallustro symbolizes contrasting approaches: the physical forward of Rome
play against the technical talent of Naples. Midfield battles were often decisive,
with captains setting the tone in emotionally charged matches.
Maradona and the resistance of capital (1980-1990)
Diego Maradona transformed The Naples
been in the derby, forcing Rome
defenders like Pietro Vierchowod and later Aldair in constant adaptation.
In the Roman side, the leadership and balance in the midfield of Giuseppe Giannini
it became crucial to resist the creativity of Naples.
Totti against the south (from 2000 to early 2010)
Francesco Totti defined this era, often dictating the tempo
against Naples
teams led by players like Marek HamšĂk and later Edinson Cavani. the duel
between Totti’s intelligence and Napoli’s high-energy midfield became one
tactical focal point.
Modern Era (late 2010s to present)
The last derbies have stood out dry
Mertens, Lorenzo
insignia and Victor Osimhen for Naples,
opposed by Rome
figures like Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku. tactician
duels: winger against winger, pressing forward against the ball game
central: now models results rather than individual style
alone
| was | club | player | Role in the derby context | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| classic | Rome | Dino From the Coast |
Aim forward | Goal threat in the first hour of the derby |
| classic | Naples | Attila Sallust | Attacking leader | Symbol of pre-war identity |
| decades of 1980-90 | Naples | Diego Maradona | Creative talisman | Shifted power balance |
| decades of 1980-90 | Rome | Giuseppe Giannini | Midfield organizer | Captaincy and control |
| 2000s | Rome | Francesco Totti | Game-forward creator | derby icon |
| 2000s | Naples | Marek HamšĂk | Box-to-box midfielder | Goal threat from deep |
| modern | Naples | Dries Mertens | mobile strikes | Olympic key scorer |
| modern | Rome | Lorenzo Pellegrini | Advanced midfielder | Link between lines |
| modern | Naples | Victor Osimhen | pressing forward | physical edge |
| modern | Rome | Paulo Dybala | Creative forward | Unlock deep blocks |
The dispersion of the players through the eras highlights how the derby has been
evolved from individual duels to system-against-system battles, while still
relying on leaders capable of defining decisive moments.
((forebet.com)(
Detailed H2H analysis
Looking deeper into the end-to-end data, The Naples
The home record stands out as a long-term tie against from Rome
general advantage Roma traditionally accumulated points thanks to consistency
and depth, while Napoli relied on peak periods of brilliance. tactician
conservatism has increased since the mid-2010s, with fewer high-scoring parties
and a greater emphasis on transitions, set pieces and play
management
Key statistics and performance data
The Derby del Sole numbers reveal patterns that go beyond the simple
profit and loss accounts, offering insight into how and why results
deploy
- The high draw percentage reflects mutual caution in the key league
moments - Roma’s goal advantage comes largely from early history
domain - The recent goal at home to Napoli has changed momentum
south - Modern games average fewer goals than pre-2000 games
encounters
Memorable matches and iconic moments
Several Derby del Sole games have left a lasting impression
Series A folklore, remembered for drama, symbolism and context more than
just the marker.
- 1959 – Rome’s historic victory by 8-0 in Naples.
- 2007 – A remarkable 4-4 draw at the Olympic Games.
- 2014 – Napoli’s latest winner in a tense title chase
season - 2017 – Victory of Napoli in Rome during a Scudetto
to push - 2019 – Napoli’s four-goal display at the Olympic.
- 2020 – Napoli’s resounding victory at home by 4-0.
- 2023: Roma’s last goals decide a tight game.
- 2025 – Napoli’s 1-0 home win sealed the title
career
Evolution of the rivalry
The Derbi del Sole has evolved from a regional curiosity to one
match that often influences the race for the title of Serie A and the European
qualification Social, economic and tactical changes have played an important role:
from Rome
institutional stability versus The Naples
cyclical increases, the influence of iconic individuals and the modern emphasis
on structure over spontaneity. Despite these changes, the rivalry remains
its edge, with each meeting with a historical weight that transcends the
league table
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Derby of the
alone?
The name reflects the geographical and cultural link between Rome
and southern Italy
more than the proximity of the city.
Which club has the best head-to-head?
registration?
Rome
have a narrow overall advantage, however Naples
have closed the gap in recent decades.
they are Naples
vs Rome
do the matches usually score?
Historically yes, but modern gatherings tend to be tighter and longer
tactic
Who are the most iconic players in this
derby?
Figures like Diego Maradona, Francesco Totti, dry
Mertens i Lorenzo
insignia they are closely related to key periods.
Does home advantage matter?
A lot, especially for Naples,
whose home atmosphere has often varied close matches.
Is it considered a local?
derby?
No, it’s a national rivalry based on history, culture and
competition rather than geography.
Statistics

