Scott McTominay was at fault for Inter Milan's opening goal against Napoli on Sunday before managing to get on the scoresheet himself
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Scott McTominay played a central role for Napoli against Inter Milan(Image: Getty Images)
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Scott McTominay's scintillating second season at Napoli is showing no signs of slowing down after his eye-catching display against Inter Milan on Sunday. The midfielder, who left Manchester United in the summer of 2024, completed the full 90 minutes of Napoli's clash with Serie A title rivals Inter, where Antonio Conte's side secured an important 2-2 draw to remain within four points of the table-toppers.
McTominay's contribution proved vital in earning a point at the San Siro, netting both of Napoli's goals to bring his season total to eight. The Serie A 2024/2025 MVP award recipient was heavily involved from kick-off, although not initially in the manner he'd hoped.
The Scotland international surrendered possession to Piotr Zielinski in his own half while receiving the ball with his back to goal, which was immediately capitalised upon as Federico Dimarco put Inter ahead from the counter in the ninth minute.
McTominay was dispossessed too easily for Conte's taste, with the manager later shown a red card for dissent after Inter were handed a questionable penalty.
But the 29-year-old responded brilliantly, drawing level in the 26th minute with a near-post first-time finish following a trademark lung-busting run into the area.
After Inter's second-half penalty, McTominay once again demonstrated his exceptional goal-scoring prowess in the 81st minute by equalising for a second time, volleying home his attempt from close range, which earned him the nickname "ruthless robot".
His ability to seize the game and not shy away after a mistake drew huge praise from the Italian press. Eurosport Italy summed it up by going with "McTominay with guts/bottle" as their headline.
Inter Milan's Turkish midfielder #20 Hakan Calhanoglu (L) fights for the ball with Napoli's Scottish midfielder #08 Scott McTominay (C) during the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Napoli at San Siro stadium in Milan, on January 11, 2026.
McTominay gave the ball away for Inter's opener(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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They noted how such a costly mistake “would have flattened anyone… but not him,” before praising his “big attributes in midfield” and labelling him “MVP”. The outlet gave him a match rating of 8/10.
Corriere della Sera also handed out an 8/10 rating, emphasising his impressive mentality to bounce back by saying: "Like a robot he programmes himself and becomes the protagonist with technique and cold-bloodedness."
Napoli's Scott McTominay, second from right, scores his side's first goal during the Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Napoli in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
McTominay showed courage to bounce back with two goals(Image: AP)
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Football Italia mirrored this view by naming him man of the match and branding him "Priceless McTominay" in their headline, while awarding a match rating of 8.5/10.
Corriere dello Sport backed that up by stating he "bossed it" at the San Siro, describing him as Napoli's leader, performing with "great substance" and dragging his team-mates forward.
Napoli's Scott McTominay celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Napoli in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
He was described as 'priceless' and a 'leader' in big games(Image: AP)
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La Repubblica also called him a “leader”, while Sky Sport Italy gave him an 8/10 rating too. Il Giornale described McTominay’s performance as “ruthless”.
They mentioned how despite committing a mistake you wouldn't expect from a player of his calibre, he was forgiven on the night for two “poacher’s goals” worth a massive point.
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