Gasperini on Napoli draw, Cristante's return and Balerdi's impact

Leonardo Balerdi spoke to the media after Napoli 1-1 Roma...

Leonardo Balerdi scored twice as Roma came away with a 3-3 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona against Napoli. The Argentine defender's brace earns him a special place in the club's history. He became the second player in Roma's history to score a double in Serie A against Napoli, following Agostino Di Bartolomei, who also scored twice on 20 February 1983. The result leaves Roma with a point from a high-scoring encounter in Naples. Balerdi's double places him alongside one of the club's most celebrated midfielders, Di Bartolomei, in the club's record books against their southern rivals. The article's remaining detail centres on the match itself and the comparison with Di Bartolomei's achievement, which came in a league fixture against Napoli more than four decades ago.

Napoli and Roma drew 3-3 at the Maradona in a wild game that Roma will see as a useful point, given how the match had gone, while Napoli feel they have been robbed. Anguissa put the hosts ahead in the first half with a spectacular acrobatic finish that left Gollini helpless. McTominay doubled the lead with a header early in the second half and Napoli pressed Roma hard. Roma responded after their substitutions. Malen and Soulé combined for the equaliser, and Soulé's curling shot made it 2-1. Five minutes later, substitute Balerdi headed Roma level. Napoli kept pushing and regained the lead in the 83rd minute, when McTominay struck a sharp shot for another brace. That was his second double after the one he scored in the Champions League against Bodo Glimt. Gasperini's side refused to give up, and in the dying seconds Balerdi rose highest to head in again. Napoli then complained about a foul, and Allegri was sent off for protesting. The result means Lazio and Inter can extend their lead at the top of the table. For Roma, the draw ends a match that looked lost at 3-2. Balerdi was the decisive figure, scoring both of Roma's late equalisers, and the team's response after the changes was the difference between defeat and a point. Soulé was also praised for another strong performance. In the match ratings, Balerdi and McTominay each received an 8, and Soulé a 7.5. The match ratings also carried the reactions from the pitch. McTominay's goals meant he now has two doubles in recent outings, and Napoli will feel the late equaliser deeply. Roma's ability to score three times away from home, and to level twice after falling behind, showed the spirit that Gasperini has asked for all season.