Napoli 3–3 Roma: Balerdi's Late Double Denies McTominay and Allegri

Napoli establish a two-goal advantage in Derby del Sole

Napoli and Roma played out an extraordinary 3–3 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday, 24 October, in a match featuring six goals and a dramatic conclusion. Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli made the stronger start and took the lead in the 28th minute through Frank Anguissa. The midfielder produced an acrobatic finish inside the penalty area to give the hosts an early advantage. Roma attempted to respond, but Napoli protected their lead until half-time. The home side then doubled their advantage just three minutes after the restart. Scott McTominay finished after a move involving Matteo Politano, putting Napoli 2–0 ahead. At that stage, Allegri's team appeared well positioned to secure an important Serie A victory. However, Roma gradually increased their attacking pressure and began threatening Napoli's defensive structure.

Soulé and substitute Balerdi lead Roma's comeback

Gian Piero Gasperini responded with changes during the second half. Leonardo Balerdi was introduced from the bench in the 58th minute, a decision that would prove decisive. Roma reduced the deficit in the 69th minute when Matías Soulé scored after an attacking move involving Donyell Malen. The goal transformed the momentum of the contest. Five minutes later, Balerdi equalised from close range following a crowded situation inside the Napoli penalty area. Santiago Castro helped create the opportunity, and the defender finished to make it 2–2. Roma had recovered from a two-goal deficit in just five minutes. The visitors continued playing with confidence, while Napoli attempted to regain the control they had demonstrated during the opening stages.

McTominay restores Napoli's lead before Balerdi strikes again

The home side appeared to have produced the decisive response in the 83rd minute. Scott McTominay scored his second goal of the evening after Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini had made an initial save. The midfielder reacted to the loose ball and finished to restore Napoli's lead at 3–2. With only a few minutes remaining, Allegri's team looked close to collecting all three points. Roma nevertheless refused to accept defeat. In the 89th minute, Wesley delivered a cross into the penalty area, and Balerdi headed home his second goal. The equaliser completed another remarkable comeback and rescued a point for Gasperini's side. Napoli protested over an alleged foul in the build-up, and Allegri was subsequently sent off for his reaction. The score remained 3–3 through stoppage time.

What the result means for Napoli and Roma

Roma remain unbeaten after eight Serie A matches, with five victories and three draws. The result moved Gasperini's team to 18 points and preserved their position among the early title contenders. Balerdi's impact was particularly significant. The defender entered the match during the second half and scored twice, including the decisive late equaliser. Soulé also played an important role in triggering Roma's comeback. Napoli, meanwhile, moved to 11 points after eight league matches. McTominay's two goals demonstrated his attacking influence from midfield, but the hosts were unable to protect either their 2–0 or 3–2 advantage. Allegri's team showed considerable attacking quality but also recurring defensive vulnerability. Roma leave Naples with a valuable away point and their unbeaten record intact. For Napoli, the result represents another missed opportunity to build momentum in the domestic championship.