Napoli Struggles & Alisson Santos Impact | Serie A Analysis

Napoli Fight Back for Draw Against Roma, Alisson Santos Shines

Napoli and Roma played to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026, in a Serie A match marked by late drama and a standout performance from Napoli substitute Alisson Santos. The Brazilian forward, who joined the club in January, scored a crucial equalizer and was named Serie A Man of the Match.

Roma took the lead twice through goals from Donyell Malen, but Napoli responded each time. Leonardo Spinazzola scored an own goal to level the score initially, before Santos’ late strike secured a point for the home side. The match was described as a “hard-fought and thrilling” encounter.

Alisson Santos expressed his happiness at scoring his first goal for Napoli, stating, “I am very happy to score and help the team. I would’ve been happier if we won the game, for sure, but I am feeling really good and enjoying scoring at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.” He emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team, noting a “really good” relationship with his teammates, the coach, and the entire staff.

Alessandro Buongiorno, also speaking after the match, highlighted Napoli’s resilience. According to reports, Buongiorno acknowledged a recent crisis within the team and emphasized the need to react positively. The article does not detail the nature of the crisis.

Santos’ impact was immediate after coming off the bench, consistently challenging Roma’s defenders and providing a much-needed spark for Napoli. His relentless effort continued into stoppage time as he pushed for a winning goal. The performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

The draw keeps Napoli in contention in Serie A, though the team reportedly struggled with consistency and concentration earlier in the match. The initial stages of the game were described as “surreal,” with Napoli appearing “sluggish, and distracted.” The need to frequently adjust the team’s formation and setup due to various factors was also noted as a contributing factor to the early struggles.

The match showcased Napoli’s fighting spirit, with both Alisson Santos and Alessandro Buongiorno emphasizing the team’s determination. Santos’ arrival appears to have injected new energy into the squad, and his performance against Roma suggests he could be a key player for Napoli in the remainder of the season.

Recent analysis from Serie A Analysis has focused on Napoli’s tactical adjustments and the impact of key players like Scott McTominay and Piotr Zieliński. Articles published in early 2025 highlighted Napoli’s resilience, their set-piece strategy, and the importance of striker Giovanni Simeone’s hold-up play. While Simeone is not mentioned in the current match report, the emphasis on a strong attacking presence remains a consistent theme in Napoli’s approach.

The result against Roma demonstrates Napoli’s ability to overcome adversity and secure points even when not at their best. The team’s willingness to “fight like lions,” as described by Santos and Buongiorno, will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of success in Serie A.