Napoli Holds Third Place in Serie A After Draw with Roma

Alanbatnews -

Napoli salvaged a 2-2 draw against Roma on Sunday, thanks to a late goal from debutant Alisson Santos, preserving their third-place position in Serie A and maintaining their unbeaten home record this season.

The Brazilian, who came on as a substitute in his first league appearance since joining from Sporting Lisbon, unleashed a powerful shot eight minutes from time, ensuring Napoli stayed three points ahead of fourth-placed Roma.

Roma's Donny Malen, continued his impressive scoring form since arriving in Serie A, netting twice and appearing to set his team up to leapfrog Napoli in the standings.

Malen, the Dutch international who joined Roma on loan from Aston Villa last month, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and added a second from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, marking his fifth goal in five games.

However, Napoli responded twice, first through Leonardo Spinazzola in the 40th minute and then through Santos, bringing their points total to 50, 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

Roma's early attacking opportunity and opening goal stemmed from defender Evan Ndicka's intervention, with the ball finding its way to new signing Brian Zaragoza on the right wing, who then crossed it for Malen to score.

Spinazzola's equalizer was the culmination of Napoli's efforts to find an opening on the edge of Roma's penalty area.

Spinazzola fired a shot that deflected off Niccolo Pisilli's foot and looped over goalkeeper Mile Svilar.

Two minutes into the second half, the goalkeeper saved Spinazzola's shot with his left foot, maintaining the tie before Roma took the lead again when Wesley won a penalty after being tripped from behind by Amir Rrahmani.

Malen converted the penalty, putting Roma on track for their first away win against Napoli in eight years, but Santos quickly endeared himself to his new team's fans by scoring the equalizing goal.