Napoli & Roma Share Spoils in High-Stakes Serie A Clash

Malen Brace leads Roma to 2-2 draw in thrilling derby del sole

AS Roma and SSC Napoli play out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Derby del Sole, with Donyell Malen scoring a brace.

The first half was intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities...

Donyell Malen scored a brace, including a penalty, as AS Roma and SSC Napoli played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Derby del Sole at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Roma initially took the lead through Malen's seventh-minute goal, courtesy of a precise pass from Bryan Zaragoza.

An intense game of football ends level! 🤝#NapoliRoma pic.twitter.com/aRZ5jL6aMn

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 15, 2026

Determined to boost their hopes of a first top-four finish in SA since 2017/18, Roma made a dream start in Naples with a breakthrough inside seven minutes.

Bryan Zaragoza's pinpoint cross set up Donyell Malen for a clinical finish, his fourth goal in Giallorossi colours, as he swept the ball past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The early goal stunned the hosts, who pushed hard for an immediate response.

Stanislav Lobotka's powerful long-range shot tested Mile Svilar, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task, keeping the score 1-0. 

The first half was intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Dortmund's Dany Mallen had a shot narrowly miss the target, while Napoli's Rasmus Hojlund had a dangerous effort blocked at close range.

Read Also: Donyell Malen Eyes Record Debut with AS Roma

As halftime approached, Napoli increased the pressure and managed to level the score in the 40th minute. Leonardo Spinazzola's 25-yard strike deflected off Niccolo Pisilli and caught the goalkeeper off guard, looping over Svilar's head for an equalizer.

Napoli dominated possession in the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Roma seized control when Amir Rrahmani fouled Wesley Franca in the box, earning a penalty. Donyell Malen stepped up, confidently slamming it home for his second goal.

Napoli was on a mission to grab a late equalizer, and substitute Alisson Santos delivered in the 82nd minute with a precision finish into the bottom corner. Despite late pressure, the winner proved elusive, leaving Napoli 11 points behind leaders Inter.

Alisson Santos is the Panini Player of the Match! 🏆👏#NapoliRoma pic.twitter.com/73A1es37WY

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 15, 2026

Conte's men had chances to steal the win, but it wasn't their night. The draw extends Napoli's unbeaten home run to 23 matches, but Inter's lead at the top remains solid.