Bottom line: for a first trip to Italy, choose Rome almost always; save Naples for a second visit or as an extension. Rome wins on historical depth (Republic, Empire, early Church, Renaissance, Baroque) and smooth tourist infrastructure, and the Vatican is there too. Naples' unique draws: the MANN National Archaeological Museum (€20) with the Farnese collection and the Alexander Mosaic (5.82 × 3.13 m); authentic Neapolitan pizza (Vera Pizza Napoletana DOP: Tipo 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, wood-fired at 485°C for 60–90 seconds); and the 2,500-year-old street Spaccanapoli. On safety, pickpocketing is higher in Naples (mainly around Piazza Garibaldi station), but the historic centre is safe by day. Suggested route: 3–4 days Rome, then the Frecciarossa high-speed train (~1h10) south to Naples for 2 days plus Pompeii.