Roma and Inter draw 2-2 as Koné and Martínez score doubles in Serie A

First-half dominance and opening goal

Roma established early control at the Stadio Olimpico during Saturday's top-of-the-table fixture against Inter. Gian Piero Gasperini's side opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Paulo Dybala lofted a pass toward the far post on the left flank. Nahuel Molina headed the ball back into the center of the penalty area, allowing midfielder Manu Koné to score with a right-footed half-turn. Roma continued to generate attacking pressure through set pieces, including a Dybala corner flicked on by Bryan Cristante that narrowly bypassed Donyell Malen. Shortly after, Matías Soulé crossed from the left, prompting a clearance by Federico Dimarco that fell to Dybala, who sent a left-footed strike over the crossbar.

Disallowed strike overturned by VAR

Inter attempted to respond as Yann Aurel Bisseck saw an effort blocked by Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Lautaro Martínez then failed to connect on a sliding attempt from Dimarco's delivery, and Alessandro Bastoni struck the outside of the post. Roma doubled their advantage in the 37th minute through another coordinated attack initiated on the right flank by Dybala. Gianluca Mancini redirected the ball toward Koné, who arrived into the box and struck a left-footed shot under the crossbar. Referee Davide Massa initially disallowed the goal for an alleged offside position, but video assistant referee Paolo Mazzoleni and assistant VAR Michael Di Paolo reviewed the footage. Semi-automated technology confirmed that Koné remained behind the line of the ball during Mancini's touch, prompting Massa to validate the strike.

Second-half comeback by Inter

Cristian Chivu's team altered the momentum immediately after the interval, scoring two minutes into the second half. Forward Marcus Thuram won a duel against Mancini in midfield and delivered a pass from the left to Martínez. The Argentine forward placed a curling left-footed shot past Svilar into the corner of the net to reduce the deficit. Inter sustained their offensive push throughout the second period and secured the equalizing goal in the 79th minute when Martínez found the net for his second goal of the match. Roma resisted further pressure in the closing stages, although Thuram missed an opportunity to score a third goal for the visiting side before the final whistle.

League standings and title race implications

The 2-2 result leaves both clubs level at the top of Serie A after five matches. Italian reports recorded the teams tied at either 12 or 13 points, with Dutch coverage confirming both reached 13 points. Roma maintains first place over defending champions Inter due to a superior goal difference of plus-11 compared to plus-7. The stalemate allows rival contenders to close the gap at the summit of the table during the remainder of the matchweek. Como can reach 13 points if they secure an away victory against Frosinone on Sunday, while Lazio can also reach the same tally through their fixture against Venezia.