Napoli rescue draw as Malen scores twice for Roma

Napoli dropped further behind the Milan sides in the title chase but clung to third spot in Serie A by rallying back on two occasions for a 2-2 stalemate with fourth-placed Roma at home on Sunday.

The title holders Napoli now sit 11 points off the pace set by Inter at the top and three behind Milan in second, with the latter holding a match to spare.

Napoli hold a three-point edge over Roma and stretched their advantage over Juventus to four points following the Turin sides defeat against Inter the day before.

Roma seized the opener after just seven minutes.

Donyell Malen, loaned in from Aston Villa during January, rifled the ball into the near corner off a driven cross from fellow January arrival Bryan Zaragoza, who joined from Bayern Munich.

Napoli hit back in the 40th minute with left wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola blasting a fierce effort from distance past his ex-team.

Roma restored their lead in the 71st minute. Wesley Franca powered beyond Amir Rrahmani. The centre-back pursued, clipped Francas heels, and collapsed onto him.

Napoli boss pulled the Kosovan defender before the spot-kick and brought on Brazilian midfielder Alisson Santos in his place.

Franca meanwhile hobbled off hurt.

Malen converted from 12 yards, drilling the ball high to Vanja Milinkovic-Savics left to claim his fifth strike in five league outings.

Santos though came to the rescue for Napoli in the 82nd minute. He carved out room just outside the Roma area and whipped a low effort into the near post.

This outcome marked Napollis second successive home draw across five days, even as they crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday via penalties after a 1-1 tie with Como.