Napoli and Roma battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on , a match punctuated by strong performances from recent acquisitions on both sides. Donyell Malen scored twice for Roma, but Napoli responded each time through Leonardo Spinazzola and Alisson Santos, securing a point in a game impacted by a significant injury crisis for both teams.
Roma struck first in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack. Bryan Zaragoza’s assist set up Malen for a right-footed finish, marking the striker’s fourth goal in his last five Serie A appearances. The goal silenced the home crowd and signaled Roma’s intent to challenge Napoli’s resilience.
Napoli, however, refused to yield. They pressed forward, seeking an equalizer before halftime, and found it in the 40th minute. Leonardo Spinazzola unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Eljif Elmas, leveling the score and reigniting the atmosphere at the Maradona Stadium.
The second half continued with the same intensity. Roma regained the lead in the 71st minute when Malen converted a penalty with a precise right-footed shot into the top right corner, securing his fifth goal of the competition. The penalty decision, however, was met with some debate, as Rasmus Hojlund felt he was fouled in the build-up, but the referee waved play on.
Just when it appeared Roma might secure all three points, Napoli mounted another comeback. In the 82nd minute, Alisson Santos, making a significant impact off the bench, scored his first goal of the competition with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, assisted by Giovane. The equalizer sparked jubilant celebrations among the Napoli faithful and ensured the points were shared.
The match was played against a backdrop of significant injury concerns for both sides. Napoli were without Scott McTominay, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, David Neres, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Kevin De Bruyne, in addition to the suspended Juan Jesus. Roma were also depleted, with Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Artem Dovbyk, Evan Ferguson, and Stephan El Shaarawy all unavailable for the match. Matias Soulé and Mario Hermoso were not fully fit, leading to Bryan Zaragoza earning his first start.
Despite the draw, the performances of the January signings were a major talking point. Malen’s brace demonstrated his immediate impact for Roma, while Alisson Santos’s goal highlighted the potential of Napoli’s winter acquisitions. Both Leonardo Spinazzola and Alisson Santos were singled out for praise, with Alisson earning particular recognition for his game-changing contribution off the bench.
Napoli dominated possession with 61% of the ball, compared to Roma’s 39%, and also recorded a higher number of shots and corners. However, Roma’s clinical finishing and Napoli’s resilience ensured the game remained competitive throughout. The draw leaves both teams with work to do as they continue their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The match also saw Antonio Conte, Roma’s head coach, address the ongoing injury situation, expressing frustration with the mounting list of absentees. He praised the performances of Alisson Santos and Giovane, highlighting their humility and dedication despite the challenging circumstances.
The result underscores the competitive nature of Serie A and the importance of squad depth. Both Napoli and Roma demonstrated their ability to fight back from adversity, showcasing the quality and resilience of Italian football. The performances of the new signings suggest both clubs have strengthened their squads effectively during the January transfer window, setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season.
