SOCCER: Napoli stay third after late goal earns 2-2 draw with Roma

NAPLES, Italy — Napoli debutant Alisson Santos scored a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 home draw against AS Roma on Sunday, keeping the Serie A champions third in the standings and extending their unbeaten home record this season.

The Brazilian, making his first league appearance since joining from Portuguese side Sporting, fired a powerful shot into the net eight minutes from time, keeping Napoli three points ahead of fourth-placed Roma.

Roma appeared set to claim all three points as striker Donyell Malen continued his scoring streak with a double. The Dutch forward, on loan from Aston Villa since last month, opened the scoring in the seventh minute and added a 71st-minute penalty, taking his tally to five goals in five Serie A games.

Napoli responded with two equalizers. Leonardo Spinazzola leveled in the 40th minute, followed by Santos’ late strike that thrilled the home crowd, bringing Napoli’s points total to 50—11 behind league leaders Inter Milan.

Roma’s first goal came after center-back Evan Ndicka’s tackle sparked a counterattack, with two passes upfield setting up new signing Bryan Zaragoza, who delivered a cross for Malen to finish.

Spinazzola’s equalizer came as Napoli probed Roma’s defense near the edge of the box. His shot deflected off Niccolo Pisilli and looped over goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Svilar later saved a left-footed effort from Spinazzola two minutes into the second half before Roma regained the lead. Wesley earned a penalty after being fouled from behind by Amir Rrahmani, which Malen converted.

Santos’ late goal earned Napoli a valuable point and immediately won over the fans, ensuring the Serie A champions remained unbeaten at home. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters