Napoli’s shaky start to the Serie A season was highlighted by a 3‑3 draw with Roma in the Derby del Sole, a match that saw both sides trade goals in a dramatic back‑and‑forth affair. The game opened with Napoli taking the lead in the 26th minute through a brilliant overhead kick from Frank Anguissa, who first converted a free‑kick into the penalty spot before spinning to finish with a looping header into the top corner. The goal was a testament to his composure, as the ball had been left unchallenged after a left‑side delivery.
Roma responded quickly, with Scott McTominay heading in a second goal just after the break. The Scottish midfielder, who had recently returned from heart surgery, had already impressed in the Champions League, scoring twice in a 4‑3 win over Bodø/Glimt. His second goal for Napoli came from a low strike from 20 yards, following a lofted cross to the back post that he met with a diving header. The goal appeared to put Napoli three points clear, but Roma were not done.
With 20 minutes remaining, Matías Soulè cut the deficit to one with a curling left‑foot finish, and a few minutes later defender Leonardo Balerdi bundled in a knock‑down from a corner to level the score. The match then entered its final act, with McTominay again finding the net to restore a one‑goal advantage for Napoli. However, in the 74th minute Balerdi headed in a corner to bring Roma back to level terms, and the game remained tied until the final minute.
In the dying moments, Balerdi finished off a corner with a towering header that sent the ball into the back post, securing a dramatic 3‑3 draw for Roma. The result leaves Napoli still struggling to find consistency early in the campaign, while Roma’s resilience in the derby keeps them competitive in the league standings. Both teams will look to build on this encounter as they continue their respective title pushes.