Napoli’s evening against Roma unravelled in the final minutes, as a 3-2 lead became a 3-3 draw and Massimiliano Allegri’s frustration brought a direct red card. The match had already reached its decisive edge when Roma found a second comeback, leaving Napoli to absorb a finish marked by controversy, a VAR review and an angry departure from the touchline.
The coach and the club
At the 89th minute, Napoli were defending their one-goal advantage while Roma pressed for an equaliser. A slight off-the-ball collision occurred near the edge of the area between Sam Beukema and Leonardo Balerdi. Beukema went down, appealing for a foul after what he claimed was an elbow from his opponent.
The referee, Colombo, allowed play to continue. Roma moved the ball out to Wesley on the right, and the Brazilian delivered into the box. Balerdi timed his run well and met the cross to score the goal that made it 3-3.
Beukema had returned to his feet and attempted to recover his position as the attack developed, but arrived too late to prevent Balerdi’s finish. Once the ball had crossed the line, the Dutch defender went down again and requested a review.
- Roma continued their attack despite Beukema’s appeal.
- Wesley supplied the cross from the right flank.
- Balerdi scored Roma’s equaliser for 3-3.
- VAR checked the earlier contact and upheld Colombo’s decision.
The confirmation of the goal completed Roma’s second recovery in the match and pushed Allegri beyond the limits of the technical area. The Napoli coach protested strongly towards Colombo and was shown a straight red card.
After receiving his dismissal, Allegri left the pitch visibly furious, shouting in the referee’s direction and taking off his jacket in a familiar gesture of anger. For Napoli, the final whistle arrived not as the close of a controlled victory, but as another reminder of how quickly a Serie A afternoon can turn in its last moments.
