Roma extended their impressive unbeaten start to the Serie A campaign to eight matches after Leonardo Balerdi scored in the 89th minute to salvage a thrilling 3-3 draw against Napoli on Saturday. The pulsating encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona saw fortunes swing back and forth before Balerdi struck his second goal of the match right at the death to break home hearts. The result leaves Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in third place in the Italian league standings.
- Leonardo Balerdi secured a dramatic 3-3 draw for Roma with a crucial goal in the 89th minute.
- Scott McTominay had seemingly won the match for Napoli with his second strike in the 83rd minute.
- Frank Anguissa opened the scoring for the hosts in the 28th minute with a spectacular bicycle kick.
- Matias Soule and Balerdi also found the target for the visitors during the high-scoring affair.
Match Momentum and Goals
Napoli initially took control of the match when Frank Anguissa converted a brilliant bicycle kick following a defensive lapse from a 28th-minute free-kick. Scott McTominay then doubled the advantage shortly after the interval by meeting Matteo Politano’s cross at the back post. However, Roma mounted a fierce response when Matias Soule ended a seven-game goal drought by curling a precise shot from outside the box in the 70th minute. Just four minutes later, Balerdi hauled the visitors level with a close-range finish following a corner.
Late Drama and Standings Impact
The closing stages delivered chaotic entertainment as McTominay seemed to have sealed victory for Napoli with a powerful low strike past goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from 30 yards out in the 83rd minute. Refusing to yield, Roma launched one final offensive attack, and Balerdi powered home a header from Wesley Franca’s cross in the 89th minute. The dramatic finale ensured that Roma maintained their unbeaten run while leaving Napoli searching for consistency in the upper half of the league table.
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