SSC Napoli twice came from behind to earn a valuable Serie A point against AS Roma, stretching Gli Azzurri’s unbeaten home league run to 23 matches (W16, D7) in a pulsating Derby del Sole.

Chasing their first top-four finish since 2017/18, Roma made a dream start in Naples by striking inside seven minutes. Bryan Zaragoza’s low delivery into the box was met perfectly by Donyell Malen, who produced a crisp first-time finish beyond Vanja Milinković-Savić to register his fourth goal in Giallorossi colours.

The early setback jolted the hosts into action, but Stanislav Lobotka’s powerful long-range attempt was comfortably gathered by Mile Svilar as Napoli searched for a swift response. Chances continued to flow at both ends, with the lively Malen dragging a shot narrowly wide, while Rasmus Højlund saw a dangerous effort blocked at close quarters.

Napoli’s growing pressure eventually paid dividends in the 40th minute. Leonardo Spinazzola tried his luck from 25 yards, and a deflection off Niccolò Pisilli sent the ball looping beyond a stranded Svilar to restore parity before the interval.

The hosts began the second half on the front foot, dominating possession in the final third but struggling to carve out clear openings. Roma, however, were handed a golden opportunity to retake the lead when Amir Rrahmani clumsily brought down Wesley França inside the area.

Malen stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty past Milinković-Savić, completing his brace and putting the visitors back in front.

Facing the prospect of a first home league defeat in 23 matches, Napoli pushed forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when substitute Alisson Santos drilled a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

Antonio Conte’s side pressed for a dramatic winner in the closing stages, but Roma held firm to secure a point. The draw leaves Napoli 11 points adrift of leaders Inter Milan, while extending their formidable unbeaten run on home soil.