Balerdi double rescues Roma in 3-3 draw despite McTominay brace

Leonardo Balerdi's 89th-minute header earned Roma a 3-3 draw at Napoli on Saturday, denying the hosts victory after Scott McTominay had twice scored to put them ahead. According to the Guardian's match coverage, Roma recovered from a two-goal deficit before responding again to McTominay's second strike, preserving their unbeaten start to the Serie A season.

Frank Anguissa opened the scoring for Napoli with an overhead kick. Both sides then came close before the interval: Mathías Olivera had an effort cleared off the line while Napoli led 1-0, and Bryan Cristante struck the post for Roma. The home side nevertheless reached the break with their advantage intact.

McTominay doubled that lead in the 48th minute following Matteo Politano's delivery. The midfielder repeatedly challenged goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini at close range, following up his initial header before eventually driving the ball into the net. It was his first Serie A goal of the campaign and gave Napoli a two-goal cushion early in the second half.

Roma's response began in the 69th minute, when Matías Soulé exchanged passes with Donyell Malen and scored from outside the penalty area. Five minutes later, Balerdi converted following a corner to bring the visitors level. Roma had erased Napoli's advantage with two goals in quick succession, setting up a final period in which both teams would score again.

McTominay restored Napoli's lead with a shot from almost 30 yards after Roma failed to clear following an attempt by Leonardo Spinazzola. The advantage did not last: Wesley delivered the cross for Balerdi to head in his second equaliser in the 89th minute. Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri was sent off after that goal, the Guardian reported.

The result left Roma third on 18 points after eight league matches, with Napoli tenth on 11. Roma had conceded only three goals across their previous seven Serie A fixtures before allowing the same number in this match. McTominay's brace followed his two goals in Napoli's midweek 4-3 Champions League victory over Bodø/Glimt, but this time his contribution secured only a point.