Napoli 3-3 AS Roma – a goal-fest that ended level after ninety minutes.

The Serie A showdown between Napoli and AS Roma unfolded at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on 24 October 2026. Both sides entered the match intent on securing three points, and the encounter quickly turned into a showcase of attacking intent and disciplined defending.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were tense, with Napoli’s Rafa Marín booked for a bad foul just four minutes in. Napoli broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Frank Anguissa struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, capitalising on a set-piece situation to put the home side 1-0 up.

Roma’s response was swift; two minutes later Bryan Cristante received a yellow card for a bad foul, and just before the break Devyne Rensch was also booked for a bad foul in the 45th minute.

The second half began with Napoli extending their lead in the 48th minute. Scott McTominay headed home from very close range after a cross from Matteo Politano, making it 2-0.

Roma’s resilience showed in the 61st minute when Leonardo Balerdi was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, but the visitors soon pulled one back. In the 69th minute Matías Soulé unleashed a left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Donyell Malen, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Four minutes later, Leonardo Balerdi, despite his earlier booking, levelled the score. He tapped in a left-footed close-range finish to the high centre of the goal, the move set up by Santiago Castro from a corner, making it 2-2.

Napoli reclaimed the lead in the 83rd minute when Scott McTominay, this time with a right-footed shot from outside the box, found the bottom left corner after a pass from Mathías Olivera, restoring the advantage to 3-2.

Marten de Roon was booked for Roma in the 86th minute. The home side’s celebration was short-lived, as Leonardo Balerdi completed his brace in the 89th minute. He headed home from the centre of the box to the centre of the net, the assist coming from Wesley’s cross, and the goal was confirmed following a VAR review, sealing a 3-3 draw.

Standout performers

Scott McTominay was a key figure for Napoli, scoring twice – a close-range header and a long-range strike – and contributing to the team's attacking rhythm. Matteo Politano and Mathías Olivera provided the assists for his goals, underlining Napoli’s creative supply.

For Roma, Leonardo Balerdi delivered a remarkable performance, scoring twice, including the crucial late equaliser, and assisting his own second goal. His involvement from set-piece situations proved decisive. Matías Soulé’s long-range effort and the service from Donyell Malen added further quality to Roma’s attack.

Match facts

  • Final score: Napoli 3-3 AS Roma
  • Scorers:
    • Napoli: Frank Anguissa (28’), Scott McTominay (48’, 83’)
    • AS Roma: Matías Soulé (69’), Leonardo Balerdi (74’, 89’)
  • Bookings:
    • Napoli: Rafa Marín (4’)
    • Roma: Bryan Cristante (30’), Devyne Rensch (45’), Leonardo Balerdi (61’), Marten de Roon (86’)
  • Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli

What it means

The 3-3 result means both Napoli and AS Roma leave the match level on points, each having demonstrated attacking potency but also defensive vulnerabilities that will need addressing in upcoming Serie A fixtures.