Scott McTominay’s return to Napoli was marked by a dramatic 3‑3 draw with Roma that left the club’s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, visibly frustrated. The match, played at the Stadio San Paolo, saw McTominay score a hat‑trick, turning a sluggish start into a high‑scoring affair that ultimately ended in a stalemate.
The game began with a slow start for the Partenopei. McTominay, who had been sidelined for the entire month of September due to an ablation procedure to correct a mild arrhythmia, was given his first start after a series of defeats to Villarreal and Venezia. His return was initially met with mixed results, but he quickly found his rhythm. In the 48th minute, he struck a powerful header to level the score, and later added a second goal from close range. His third came from a long‑range effort that beat Roma’s goalkeeper, giving Napoli a 3‑0 lead before the visitors pulled one back.
Roma’s comeback was led by Matías Soulé, who netted twice in the second half, and Leonardo Balerdi, who added another equaliser in the 74th minute. The match was a showcase for both teams’ attacking flair, with several moments of individual brilliance. Soulé’s two goals were described by Roma’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini as “something crazy” that reminded him of Lionel Messi, while Balerdi’s late header was a reminder of the quality in Roma’s defensive line.
Allegri’s reaction to the draw was uncharacteristically terse. After the final whistle, he was seen leaving the dressing room and later appeared on television to admit that he was “not lucid enough to expand on this game” for the first time in 25 years. He also hinted that the referee had given Roma favourable treatment, a claim that drew criticism from the press. Allegri’s frustration seemed to stem from a perceived lack of discipline among his defenders, particularly after Sam Beukema collapsed during a tussle with Balerdi, allowing the equaliser to go in.
Despite the draw, McTominay’s performance was a bright spot for Napoli. He had scored his first goal of the Serie A season after a long wait, and his three goals in the match were a sign of the team’s potential when he is fit. Napoli’s recent form has been uneven, with five losses in their first nine games across all competitions. However, the club’s confidence has been buoyed by their Champions League victory over Bodø/Glimt, where McTominay also found the net.
The match also highlighted Napoli’s need to maintain focus and discipline if they are to climb the Serie A table. With McTominay’s influence, the club could realistically challenge for a top‑four finish, but that will require consistency and a clearer tactical direction from Allegri. The next fixtures will test whether Napoli can translate the energy from this draw into sustained success in both domestic and European competitions.