Roma Rout Slovan Bratislava as Napoli Survive Bodø/Glimt Scare in Seven-Goal Thriller
AS Roma bounced back from their previous UEFA Champions League setback with a commanding 4–0 victory over Slovan Bratislava, while Napoli edged Bodø/Glimt 4–3 in a dramatic encounter to claim their first points of the league phase on Tuesday.
Roma dominated at the Stadio Olimpico, with Mario Hermoso, Molina, Niccolò Pisilli and Donyell Malen all finding the net to secure a convincing Matchday Three win. Napoli, meanwhile, endured a tense evening at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, where Scott McTominay’s brace helped the Italian champions overcome a persistent challenge from the Norwegian visitors.
Roma Cruise Past Slovan Bratislava
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma made an assertive start and took the lead in the 21st minute when Hermoso converted from close range following a set-piece delivery involving Lorenzo Pellegrini and Donyell Malen.
Molina doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, finishing a move that began with Pellegrini’s forward pass and Malen’s effort, which was deflected into his path.
Roma maintained their attacking intensity after the break, with Pisilli making it 3–0 in the 52nd minute following Malen’s contribution. The hosts were awarded a penalty after Wesley was brought down in the area, and Malen converted in the 58th minute to complete the scoring.
The emphatic victory provided Roma with a timely response after their dramatic 4–3 defeat to Real Madrid in the previous round.
Napoli Hold Off Bodø/Glimt Fightback
Napoli secured a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Bodø/Glimt in Naples, but their defensive vulnerabilities threatened to undermine an otherwise productive attacking display.
Matteo Politano gave the hosts an immediate advantage, scoring in the opening minute. Bodø/Glimt responded through Jens Petter Hauge in the 27th minute before McTominay restored Napoli’s lead in the 41st minute, making it 2–1 at half-time.
The visitors refused to back down and drew level again through Helmersen in the second half, exposing Napoli’s difficulties in containing their opponents.
McTominay struck his second goal of the night in the 75th minute to put Napoli ahead once more, before Giovane extended the lead to 4–2 in the 88th minute.
Bodø/Glimt continued to threaten and Fet scored in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 4–3, but Napoli held on to secure all three points.
The result gave Napoli their first points of the Champions League league phase after opening their campaign with defeats to Arsenal and Villarreal.
Roma’s commanding performance and Napoli’s narrow escape offered contrasting routes to victory for the two Italian sides, who both needed a positive result after difficult European outings in the previous round.
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