Napoli throw away 2-0 lead and draw 3-3 with Roma

Napoli drew 3-3 with Roma in a game they had under control and could not hold. Anguissa (28 minutes) and McTominay (48) put them 2-0 up at the Maradona against a direct rival for the places that matter. It is a chance missed, the second in a few days, in a season that has so far offered little comfort.

After the second goal Napoli dropped deep and gave up the pitch. Soulé scored on 69 minutes and Balerdi on 74, two goals in five minutes. It is the problem the fanbase has been pointing to for weeks: a defence that comes apart under pressure and a team that, once ahead, does not know what to do with the lead.

The substitutions

The responsibility sits with the coach. Allegri replaced Badiashile with Beukema on 52 minutes, straight after the 2-0, then brought on Giovane. On 79 minutes, with the score at 2-2, he took off De Bruyne for Lobotka.

He may have meant to protect the result, but it was not protected. McTominay put Napoli 3-2 ahead on 83 minutes. Balerdi, on for Roma since the 58th minute, equalised again on 89. Taking quality off the pitch to shut the game down does not work if you concede anyway.

Allegri was then sent off on 90 minutes. It confirms the frustration of an evening that ended badly.

The table and what comes next

Napoli are sixth with 13 points after 8 games. Roma are third on 17 and the leaders have 19. For a club that has won two league titles in three seasons and expects to be at the top, losing two points at home to a direct rival after leading by two goals is the kind of result supporters do not forgive.

No one needs a witch-hunt. Napoli need a back line that holds when the game turns hard, and substitutions that do not hand the opponent the momentum.

Next is Monza away on Wednesday 28 October, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET). It is not a game to start again from zero: Napoli carry the Roma match with them. If they want to be a top side, they must show they can close out games they already hold. That is down to Allegri.