Donyell Malen scored twice, but Roma were forced to settle for a point as Napoli twice came from behind in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Derby del Sole at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Napoli extended their impressive unbeaten run in Serie A to 23 matches, yet it was Roma who made the brighter start as they continue to push for a top-four finish.
The Giallorossi needed just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Bryan Zaragoza delivered a low cross into the area, which was met by Malen, who fired a composed first-time finish past Vanja Milinkovic Savic to put the visitors ahead.
Napoli tried to respond quickly, with Stanislav Lobotka testing Mile Svilar from distance, but the Roma goalkeeper was equal to the effort. Chances came at both ends as the half progressed, with Malen dragging a shot narrowly wide while Rasmus Hojlund saw a dangerous attempt blocked inside the area.
The hosts found their equaliser five minutes before the break. Leonardo Spinazzola struck from distance and his effort took a deflection off Niccolo Pisilli, looping over Svilar and into the net to bring Napoli level at 1-1.
Napoli started the second half with greater urgency and controlled possession, but Roma regained the lead when Amir Rrahmani fouled Wesley Franca inside the penalty area. Malen stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to restore the visitors’ advantage and complete his brace.
With their long unbeaten home run under threat, Napoli pushed forward in search of another equaliser and found it in the 82nd minute. Substitute Alisson Santos produced a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-2 and ensure the points were shared.
Conte’s side pressed for a late winner, but Roma held firm, leaving Napoli 11 points behind league leaders Inter, while Roma continue their pursuit of a Champions League place.
