Alisson Santos’ Impact Fuels Napoli’s Draw Against Roma

Napoli secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against Roma in Serie A, thanks to a standout performance from January signing Alisson Santos. The Brazilian winger’s late goal salvaged a point for the Partenopei, extending their unbeaten run at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

A Game of Two Halves

The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026, saw Roma take the lead twice through Donyell Malen, with Napoli responding through Leonardo Spinazzola and Alisson Santos. The game highlighted the challenges Napoli faces with a significant injury list, but also showcased the immediate impact of their winter reinforcements.

Alisson Santos: An Instant Impact

Alisson Santos, who joined Napoli from Sporting CP, made a remarkable impact off the bench. His performance, characterized by accelerations, dribbling, and a crucial goal, energized the team and the home crowd. He was named Serie A Man of the Match for his efforts. According to DAZN Italia, Santos expressed happiness with scoring his first goal for Napoli but emphasized his desire for a victory.

Injury Crisis Hampering Napoli

Napoli has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, never fielding a fully fit squad. Key players such as Scott McTominay, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and David Neres have been sidelined, impacting the team’s strength in midfield and attacking options. A recent injury to Rrahmani further compounded the issue.

Looking Ahead: Champions League Qualification

Despite the challenges, Napoli’s schedule for the remaining 13 games of the season appears manageable. Key upcoming matches include home fixtures against Milan, Lazio, and Bologna, as well as away trips to Atalanta and Como. The primary objective for coach Antonio Conte and his team is to secure Champions League qualification, which is vital for the club’s finances.

Conte Awaits Return of Key Players

Coach Conte is optimistic about the return of several injured players, including Gilmour, Anguissa, De Bruyne, Neres, and Di Lorenzo. The team recently secured the Super Cup title, providing a positive note in what has been a challenging season. Conte stressed the importance of analyzing the causes of the recurring injuries to prevent a similar situation in the future.

Source: Alamy