Napoli and Roma draw 3-3 at the Maradona as Balerdi strikes late and Allegri is sent off

Napoli take an early lead

Napoli and Roma played to a 3-3 draw at the Maradona on Saturday, 24 October, in the eighth round of Serie A. Anguissa gave the hosts the lead in the 28th minute with an overhead kick. McTominay made it 2-0 in the 48th minute, heading home a Politano cross at the second post. Roma goalkeeper Gollini was beaten on both occasions. Napoli had a two-goal cushion early in the second half, and Roma, looking to keep their unbeaten run and close the gap at the top of the table, were chasing the match.

Roma fight back

Roma reduced the deficit in the 69th minute, when Soulé finished a one-two with Malen with a low left-foot shot that Meret could not reach. Balerdi, who had come on as a substitute, equalised in the 74th minute after a corner was worked short and a cross struck Castro in the face, leaving the ball for him to hit with his left foot.

McTominay restored Napoli's lead with a right-footed drive into the near post, after a touch from Olivera, and the hosts appeared to have the game under control.

Balerdi's late equaliser and the VAR check

Napoli's lead lasted until the 89th minute. Wesley crossed from the right, and Balerdi, unmarked at the second post, headed in the equaliser, his second goal of the match. Shortly before the goal, Beukema had fallen after contact with Balerdi near the edge of the area, and Napoli players appealed for a foul. The VAR check was quick, and referee Colombo allowed the goal to stand. The images showed contact between the two players, but it was judged too light to cancel the goal. Allegri was sent off after protesting. Napoli were left with regrets, having given up a two-goal lead within the final 15 minutes.

Referee decisions and protests

Napoli's protests had started earlier. Shortly after the half-hour mark, De Bruyne was played through, and Gollini came out of his area and pushed the lob away with his hand. Napoli's players and bench claimed a red card, and Allegri was furious with the fourth official. The images showed Gollini's arm close to his body, so VAR did not recall the referee and Colombo let play continue. A review of the referee's calls by Il Messaggero lists several yellow cards, including Marin in the 4th minute for a late challenge on Wesley, Cristante in the 29th minute and Balerdi in the 61st minute for a late tackle on Hojlund. The same review says Cristante's foul on De Bruyne in the 25th minute led to the free kick from which Napoli scored, while Badiashile's early challenge on Mancini at the 2nd minute went unpunished.