Determined to boost their hopes of a first top-four finish in SA since 2017/18, Roma made a dream start in Naples with a breakthrough inside seven minutes.
Bryan Zaragoza’s low cross into the box was perfect for Donyell Malen, who swept a clinical first-time finish past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic for his fourth goal in Giallorossi colours.
Stunned by that early setback, the hosts searched for an immediate response, but Stanislav Lobotka’s powerful effort from range was comfortably held by Mile Svilar.
Both sides continued to threaten as the first half progressed, with the lively Malen dragging a strike narrowly wide, while at the other end, Rasmus Hojlund saw a dangerous effort blocked at close range.
Napoli upped the ante with half-time looming, and they found a leveller in the 40th minute when Leonardo Spinazzola’s speculative 25-yard strike took a deflection off Niccolo Pisilli and looped over a helpless Svilar.
Keen to carry their momentum into the early stages of the second period, Napoli saw plenty of the ball in the final third, but clear-cut openings were in short supply.
Having survived the hosts’ pressure, the Giallorossi were given a golden opportunity to take the lead when Amir Rrahmani clumsily tripped a marauding Wesley Franca in the box.
Malen assumed the responsibility from the spot, and the Dutchman confidently dispatched the penalty beyond Milinkovic-Savic for his second of the evening.
Faced with the prospect of a first Serie A defeat on home soil in 23 matches, Napoli went in pursuit of a late equaliser, and substitute Alisson Santos came up with the goods in the 82nd minute, firing an expert finish into the bottom corner.
Conte’s men looked to steal all three points in the closing stages, but a winner ultimately proved to be elusive as Gli Azzurri fell 11 points behind leaders Inter.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Donyell Malen (Roma)
