Roma crushes Slovan; McTominay leads Napoli past Bodo

Two home wins for Italian teams on Tuesday during Matchday 3 of the Champions League group stage. Roma defeated Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in a dominant performance, while Napoli secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Bodo/Glimt at the Maradona Stadium thanks to a spectacular performance by McTominay. In the standings, the Giallorossi move up to 4 points, while the Azzurri earn their first three points in the competition.

Roma vs. Slovan Bratislava 4-0

A one-sided match at the Olimpico, with Roma confirming their excellent form and dispatching their Slovak rivals as early as the first half. In the 22nd minute, Hermoso headed home to give the Giallorossi the lead off a set piece, capping Gasperini’s team’s dominance in the first half. After a series of missed chances by the home team—including a massive one by Rodrigo Mora—Molina doubled the lead in the 39th minute, being the quickest to react to Takac’s short save off Malen’s previous shot.

In the second half, Roma ran riot: after a chance by Malen, Pisilli made it 3-0, set up by Soulé following an earlier defensive error by the visitors. In the 58th minute, star striker Malen finally got on the board to make it 4-0 for the capital side. The final stretch was more relaxed, with Roma controlling the game and Gasperini making a few substitutions to give the starters a breather.

Napoli-Bodo/Glimt 4-3

Politano’s early goal—scored on his first run off an assist from Spinazzola—seemed to put the game on the back burner for Allegri’s team, which continued to attack and create chances through Lang, Di Lorenzo, and Hojlund. Surprisingly, however, the Norwegians equalized in the 27th minute: former Milan player Hauge stunned the Maradona crowd with a perfect pass from Brunstad Fet. After conceding the equalizer, Napoli went through a few minutes of disarray but regained their composure thanks to McTominay, who scored in the 41st minute off a through ball from De Bruyne.

In the second half, the Azzurri dropped too deep, and Bodo created a series of dangerous chances near Meret’s goal that sent shivers down the spines of the Campania fans. In the 61st minute, McTominay hit the post, but just two minutes later, Bodo/Glimt equalized thanks to Helmersen, set up by the excellent Brunstad Fed.

Napoli found themselves in trouble but regained the lead in the 75th minute thanks to McTominay, who scored with a splendid header off a cross from Politano. It was the crucial goal; the Azzurri controlled the ball and, in the 89th minute, sealed the victory with Giovane’s goal, making it 4-2. The Norwegians didn’t give up, and in stoppage time, they pulled one back with a goal by Bjortuft, but it was too late.