Napoli 3-3 Roma: Balerdi's double from the bench rescues a point as Soulé shines

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.

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.

Roma came from behind twice to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Serie A matchday eight, and Gian Piero Gasperini's side were rescued by Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench and scored a brilliant brace. Giallorossi.net's player ratings, written by Andrea Fiorini, gave Balerdi an 8 and Gasperini a 7 for a difficult away trip made without several important players. Gollini was rated 6, with a superb save from Olivera standing out, though he was uncertain with crosses into the box and could have done more on McTominay's shot. Ndicka was rated 6.5 for winning a physical duel with Hojlund, who had little impact. Hermoso, also 6.5, attacked often and tried several times to shoot, but his efforts were always deflected for corners, and Politano often took him on. Mancini was rated 5.5, lacking quality in attack and pace in defence, improving slightly after the break. Rensch, rated 6, made a crucial intervention on Lang but was rated as playing with the handbrake on, offering little going forward. Molina, who replaced him at 58', was rated 6.5 after Gasperini deployed him on the left, where his runs brought energy to the flank. De Roon, rated 6.5, grew into the game and was a wall in the second half. Pisilli was rated 5.5 and was not especially bright, with disappointing set-piece deliveries. Castro, who came on for him at 58', was rated 6 and gave the team a jolt, unsettling the Napoli defence. Wesley was rated 6, described as confused but running tirelessly, with a fine cross for Cristante that hit the post, and an assist for Balerdi's equaliser late on. Cristante was rated 6.5 for his physicality and a few good chances, though he lacked quality with the final pass. Soule was rated 7.5, a constant threat who troubled Napoli and set up Malen inside the area, though Malen wasted the chance. In the second half Soule struck a stunning left-foot shot that revitalised Roma and changed the momentum of the match. Malen was rated 6, wasting a penalty by hitting a weak effort in the area, and was saved only by his assist for Soule. Mora came on late without a rating. Gasperini was praised for his substitutions, which proved decisive in the final 3-3.

Roma came back twice from behind to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Maradona, with Antonio Balerdi scoring twice, the second in the 89th minute, to salvage a point in a chaotic big match. Napoli led through a spectacular overhead kick from Zambo Anguissa, who struck just before the half-hour mark, and an early second-half goal from McTominay in the 48th minute. Roma responded within four minutes, with Matías Soulé equalising in the 70th minute and Balerdi in the 74th. McTominay restored Napoli's lead in the 83rd minute with his personal brace, but Balerdi struck again in stoppage time to fix the final score at 3-3. The result leaves Roma on 18 points, one more than Como and one fewer than Inter and Lazio, both of whom have yet to play. Gasperini made several changes from the Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava. Gollini started in goal, with Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso in defence and Wesley and Rensch, preferred to Molina, on the flanks. De Roon and Pisilli formed the midfield pair, with Cristante pushed into the number ten role behind Soulé and Malen. Napoli were coached by Allegri, and the draw left a bitter taste for both Gasperini and Allegri. The opening exchanges were fast-paced. Rensch cleared a cross meant for Lang early on, and Soulé fired a left-footed shot just over the bar in the 8th minute, the first Roma effort on Meret's goal. Napoli came close in the 12th minute when Di Lorenzo found space behind Wesley and sent a low ball across goal, where Rensch intervened again to deny Lang, and Hojlund fired wide from the rebound. Badiashile and McTominay also tested Gollini from distance. Cristante hit a right-foot shot wide around the 20th minute, and Malen's placed effort in the box was pushed away by Meret after a pass from Soulé. Anguissa then opened the scoring just before the half-hour, volleying into the left corner from a set piece. Gollini made a crucial sortie to deny De Bruyne, who had been released by Lang, in the 35th minute. Hermoso then curled a left-foot shot narrowly past the post after a fine run by Soulé, who was again one of Roma's best players. Gollini saved well from Olivera in the 42nd minute, and de Roon cleared off the line. Cristante's header then struck the post in the closing moments of the half. Colombo blew for half-time after one added minute, with Napoli ahead. Beyond the goals, the match featured several yellow cards: Marin (Napoli), and Cristante, Rensch and Balerdi (Roma). Napoli made changes at half-time with Beukema replacing Badiashile, and later Giovane replacing Politano. Roma's substitutions came at the 58th minute, bringing on Balerdi for Hermoso, Molina for Rensch and Castro for Pisilli. The match was played at the Maradona.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to DAZN after Roma drew with Napoli, a match in which his side came back from a 3-2 deficit. He said the performance showed maturity and a refusal to give up. "It was an intense match. The desire never to give up is clear in my team. There are many positives, but the spirit shows maturity." He added: "I'm satisfied, except for the first half hour. Napoli were superior and we were in difficulty. They had an extra gear, then we finished the first half well. In the second half we played well and had the feeling we could win. We had great conviction." Gasperini said Roma had stayed composed despite conceding the 3-2 goal. "We were good at this, there was no frenzy. We kept our way of playing, and the goals were of quality. There was a lot of energy from the substitutes. Soulé had an extraordinary match, as did Ndicka. We are in a great moment, there is a lot of conviction and we play good football. The morale is high, and the feeling is that we have lost two points. But given how the match went, it went well." Asked which draw against a big club pleased him most, he replied: "They are different draws, but we have shown we are competitive, always. Against Como we played with ten men, against Inter we were ahead. Today it was a fresh match against a team of absolute quality, and coming back to draw was a great injection of confidence." Gasperini praised the impact of recent arrivals Balerdi and de Roon. "It's undeniable that Balerdi and de Roon are two leading players for the old teams they were at. Their contribution has been extraordinary. They didn't take long to settle in. Balerdi too, the same. He knows football and has an incredible energy, he is a great reinforcement for me." On Napoli, he said: "It was a fresh match against a team of absolute quality." Discussing the first half, he explained that Roma had struggled early, had a chance of their own, and then rebuilt after Anguissa's goal. "The problem is that we conceded at the start of the second half, but we had the conviction that by playing our game we could turn it around. The 3-2 was a blow because there was little time, but we felt strong." On his selections, Gasperini said tactics had changed. "I played Cristante after a month, then Soulé went to play in that role, and he did brilliantly. We were precise, and Napoli have great quality. There were many turnarounds at both ends. It was a good match for the fans." He described Napoli as having players who had won two Serie A titles in recent years, adding: "They can always score. Sometimes we were not good enough in the final pass or the shot. We could have been a bit more precise." On the change of Balerdi, he said: "I have three changes in defence, two on the wings. I put Balerdi on because we were exposed to counterattacks and Hermoso had spent a lot. Their players were Vergara and Giovane. Balerdi's speed was important. We defended very well, and from there we built the comeback." Asked about last season, when Roma did not come back from behind, he said: "We must also say they made a good play. Sometimes it is a bit random, because the team held its ground. It was a great individual move. The lads were good at not falling apart. We finished the first half convinced we would not lose, and we kept trusting ourselves." He concluded on Napoli: "Napoli are an important team. They have changed coach but are growing a lot. I think they need to be patient." Gasperini also said Allegri had been very nervous: "Yes, I saw it. I hope he isn't like that with me, and I didn't throw him out (laughs)."

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.

Napoli and Roma drew 3-3 in a chaotic Serie A match at the Maradona, a result that felt more like a reprieve for Roma than a setback. Anguissa gave the hosts the lead in the first half with an acrobatic finish that left Gollini motionless. Early in the second half McTominay headed Napoli 2-0 up, and the hosts looked in control. Roma came back after their substitutions. Malen and Soulé combined for the 2-1, with Soulé finishing with a curling shot. Five minutes later, substitute Balerdi levelled the score. Napoli kept pushing and regained the lead in the 83rd minute through a sharp strike from McTominay, his second goal of the match and another brace after the one he scored in the Champions League against Bodo/Glimt. Roma refused to give up. Almost on the stroke of 90 minutes, Balerdi rose higher than anyone to head home an equaliser again. Napoli protested that they had been fouled, and Allegri was sent off for dissent. The game ended 3-3, with each side taking a point. Gasperini's side can take some credit for a comeback, since Balerdi twice rescued them when defeat looked likely. Lazio and Inter, however, can both move further clear at the top of the table thanks to the dropped points.

Roma came from behind twice to draw 3-3 with Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Serie A matchday eight, and Gian Piero Gasperini's side were rescued by Leonardo Balerdi, who came off the bench and scored a brilliant brace. Giallorossi.net's player ratings, written by Andrea Fiorini, gave Balerdi an 8 and Gasperini a 7 for a difficult away trip made without several important players. Gollini was rated 6, with a superb save from Olivera standing out, though he was uncertain with crosses into the box and could have done more on McTominay's shot. Ndicka was rated 6.5 for winning a physical duel with Hojlund, who had little impact. Hermoso, also 6.5, attacked often and tried several times to shoot, but his efforts were always deflected for corners, and Politano often took him on. Mancini was rated 5.5, lacking quality in attack and pace in defence, improving slightly after the break. Rensch, rated 6, made a crucial intervention on Lang but was rated as playing with the handbrake on, offering little going forward. Molina, who replaced him at 58', was rated 6.5 after Gasperini deployed him on the left, where his runs brought energy to the flank. De Roon, rated 6.5, grew into the game and was a wall in the second half. Pisilli was rated 5.5 and was not especially bright, with disappointing set-piece deliveries. Castro, who came on for him at 58', was rated 6 and gave the team a jolt, unsettling the Napoli defence. Wesley was rated 6, described as confused but running tirelessly, with a fine cross for Cristante that hit the post, and an assist for Balerdi's equaliser late on. Cristante was rated 6.5 for his physicality and a few good chances, though he lacked quality with the final pass. Soule was rated 7.5, a constant threat who troubled Napoli and set up Malen inside the area, though Malen wasted the chance. In the second half Soule struck a stunning left-foot shot that revitalised Roma and changed the momentum of the match. Malen was rated 6, wasting a penalty by hitting a weak effort in the area, and was saved only by his assist for Soule. Mora came on late without a rating. Gasperini was praised for his substitutions, which proved decisive in the final 3-3.