Malen's masterclass not enough, as Conte's Napoli fight back
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 16.02.26. | 07:07
Roma push Napoli to the edge, but the defending champions fight back to preserve their home fortress (2-2)
It looked like the night Napoli's 22-match unbeaten home run in Serie A would finally come to an end.
Donyell Malen did everything to make it happen.
Twice, he put Roma ahead at the Diego Armando Maradona.
Twice, he silenced the crowd. And yet, the fortress stood, 2-2.
The Dutchman, on loan from Aston Villa, has now scored five goals in his first five Serie A appearances for the Giallorossi - a modern-era feat that places him just behind Gabriel Batistuta's six in the same span.
Not bad for a player who was not even AS Roma's first choice in the market.
Napoli were loving it as winter signing Alisson Santos subbed on and scored his first goal to rescue a 2-2 draw vs. Roma 💥 pic.twitter.com/7aotwrxPj1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 15, 2026
They wanted Raspadori, considered Zirkzee, and got Malen in the end, which seems to be a perfect fit for Gian Piero Gasperini.
Depth runs, instinct in the box, and composure from the spot.
His opener came on the counter after Bryan Zaragoza's debut assist. His second from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
But Antonio Conte's Napoli always had an answer.
First, through Leonardo Spinazzola, who punished his former club with a deflected strike before halftime.
Then, through young substitute Alison Santos, who danced past his marker and fired into the near corner.
In stoppage time, Napoli smelled blood. Miguel Gutierrez had the chance to win it, but Mile Svilar produced a magnificent save to secure the visitors a point that may prove vital.
Roma needed a statement. Gasperini's men have struggled in big games this season - defeats to Inter, Milan, Juventus, Atalanta and Napoli tell the story.
This was not the breakthrough win they craved, but it felt like progress.
Not enough people are talking about Donyell Malen this season. pic.twitter.com/qoI5mI65ZW
— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) February 15, 2026
As for Napoli, they showed resilience once again. Even with injuries disrupting rhythm, Conte's side refused to fold.
They absorbed the blows, rose again and nearly delivered the knockout.
In the end, the fortress remains standing. And the race at the top of the Serie A just got even tighter.
SERIE A - MATCHDAY 25
Friday
Pisa - Milan 1-2 (0-1)
/Loyola 71 - Loftus-Cheek 39, Modric 85/
Saturday
Como - Fiorentina 1-2 (0-1)
/Parisi 77 og - Fagioli 26, Kean 54 pen/
Lazio - Atalanta 0-2 (0-1)
/Ederson 41 pen, Zalewski 60/
Inter - Juventus 3-2 (1-1)
/Cambiaso 17 og, Esposito 76, Zielinski 90 - Cambiaso 26, Locatelli 83/
Sunday
Udinese - Sassuolo 1-2 (1-0)
/Solet 10 - Lauriente 56, Pinamonti 58/
Cremonese - Genoa 0-0
Parma - Verona 2-1 (1-1)
/Bernabe 4, Pellegrino 90+3 - Harroui 43 pen/
Torino - Bologna 1-2 (0-0)
/Vlasic 62 - Vlasic 49 og, Castro 70/
Napoli - Roma 2-2 (1-1)
/Spinazzola 40, Santos 82 - Malen 7,71/
Monday
22.45: (2.20) Cagliari (3.15) Lecce (3.60)
***odds are subject to change***