But Di Francesco, whose side lost Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas to injury during the contest, felt a draw was a fair reflection of the game at Stadio San Paolo.

“We’re disappointed to have conceded in the 90th minute, even though I have to say Napoli deserved to draw in the end, given how the match went,” Di Francesco said, according to Roma’s website.

“We had players starting with fitness problems. What we most struggled with was keeping our rhythm and being incisive.

“We did have our chances in the second half but overall Napoli deserved to get the draw in the end.

“We were playing a team in great condition. We on the other hand had a number of fitness issues, starting with Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas who were forced off – these players are hugely important for us.”

Goalscorer Mertens felt Napoli deserved more from the contest as they dropped points at home for the first time this season.

He told Napoli’s website: “We didn’t get the three points tonight. I’m happy with the goal, but not with the draw because we dominated.

“When you play like that you have to win. We probably made some mistakes, because the game was entirely in our hands.

“Roma are a strong side. We did well to respond to them going in front, but we could have scored more goals. There’s a real sense of disappointment tonight.”

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