Alisson Santos ‘would’ve been happier’ with his first Napoli goal if they had all three points against Roma, while Alessandro Buongiorno admits he ‘needed to react’ to a recent crisis.
It was a hard-fought and thrilling match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the Giallorossi twice going in front through Donyell Malen goals, only to be clawed back by a deflected Leonardo Spinazzola strike and late Alisson Santos daisy-cutter.
The January signing seemed very emotional when celebrating his first goal in the Napoli jersey, as the crowd went wild in the stands behind him.
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Napoli refused to give in for thrilling draw
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Alisson Santos of SSC Napoli scores his side second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“I am very happy to score and help the team. I would’ve been happier if we won the game, for sure, but I am feeling really good and enjoying scoring at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona,” Alisson Santos told DAZN Italia.
Alisson Santos came off the bench and made a remarkable impact this evening, as he ran at opponents every time and gave them that spark they needed to get back into the game.
He even pushed to the very end trying to win it in stoppages, so was named Serie A Man of the Match.
“My relationship with the teammates, the coach and the whole staff is really good.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Leonardo Spinazzola of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Buongiorno stepped back into the starting XI for the first time since his nightmare performance in the 3-2 win at Genoa, where he was directly at fault for two goals and was hauled off by Antonio Conte.
“We fought like lions to the end of the match, so we’ve got to thank everyone here, because we are giving our absolute all,” Buongiorno told DAZN Italia.
“I faced up to my problems and tried to resolve them, I did a lot of work in training and know that if you never give in, you can achieve your dreams.
“I have to thank the fans, my family and my partner for being close to me during this difficult time. There are moments where you fall and you’ve got to get back on your feet.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: SSC Napoli supporters showing banners for the team during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AS Roma at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 15, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli are now out of the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, but are up to third in Serie A, ahead of Roma and Juventus.
“The only objective we have really is to get into the top four, but we need to take it one game at a time and see what happens.”