Napoli and AS Roma served up a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday in Serie A matchday 8, while Lazio edged Parma 2-1 at the Olimpico to seize sole leadership of the table.

The Naples clash exploded into life just before the half-hour mark. Frank Anguissa produced a spectacular overhead kick to give Napoli the lead.

Early in the second half Scott McTominay headed home from a Matteo Politano cross to make it 2-0. Roma refused to fold.

Matías Soulé reduced the deficit with a fine strike around the 69th minute, and substitute Leonardo Balerdi headed the equaliser five minutes later.

McTominay restored Napoli’s advantage with a crisp finish in the 83rd minute, only for Balerdi to power in another header from a Wesley cross in the 89th minute for a dramatic 3-3 final score.

Massimiliano Allegri was sent off late for dissent amid protests over the equaliser.

Both sides entered the fixture in contrasting moods. Roma, under Gian Piero Gasperini, arrived unbeaten in Serie A and left with a hard-earned point that keeps them firmly in the title conversation.

Napoli, managed by Allegri, showed attacking quality but again dropped points from a winning position, continuing an inconsistent start to the 2026/27 campaign.

Across the capital, Lazio secured a vital 2-1 victory over Parma that propelled them to the top of the Serie A standings. Kenneth Taylor opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a composed finish.

An own goal by Diego Carlos eight minutes later doubled the advantage. Parma’s Simone Lontani pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but Lazio held on for three points.

Lazio’s form has been outstanding: seven wins and one draw from eight matches for 22 points, three clear of Inter (who have a game in hand). Roma sit third on 18 points, still undefeated.

Napoli are mid-table with 11 points from eight games (three wins, two draws, three losses). Parma remain near the foot of the table with just four points and are struggling for consistency after another defeat.

Nigerian interest centred on Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The Super Eagles international, returning from an earlier hamstring injury, had been strongly tipped for a starting role against Parma after recent impressive cameos, including a goal in the 3-0 win at Juventus.

He remains an important squad option for Gennaro Gattuso’s high-flying side as they chase the Scudetto.

The weekend’s results tighten the early title race. Lazio’s clinical edge and defensive solidity have made them the team to catch, while Roma’s fighting spirit in Naples underlines their credentials.

Napoli will look to convert strong performances into more points, and Parma need a rapid upturn to climb away from the relegation zone. With a congested schedule ahead, every result in Serie A carries heavy weight.

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