Napoli and Scott McTominay were knocked out of the Champions League with a defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night
Scott McTominay of Napoli
Scott McTominay played for Napoli against Chelsea in the Champions League(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United star Scott McTominay suffered heartbreak as Napoli crashed out of the Champions League last night. The reigning Serie A champions were denied a play-off spot after a home defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Napoli were one of the competition’s most notable exits on an eventful Champions League night. The Italian side, despite having home advantage against Chelsea, finished 30th in the overall table, while their opponents came sixth in the group phase.
McTominay and Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund battled to a 3-2 defeat in Naples. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring from the spot but the home side responded with goals from Antonio Vergara and Hojlund before the interval.
In the second half, a Joao Pedro brace sealed the fate of Antonio Conte’s team. Here’s a look at how Italian media reacted to McTominay’s performance.
Il Napolista
The Italian publication gave McTominay a player rating of six. The midfielder’s “mettle” was praised but was blamed for a number of turnovers in midfield.
However, Il Napolista did state that McTominay posed a threat going forward, “to the point of scaring [Chelsea golakeeper Robert] Sanchez”. It just proved not to be enough for Antonio Conte’s side.
Il Messaggero
The outlet also rated McTominay’s performance at a six. The ex-United midfielder was described as being “average” in the first half, which was competed at “very high levels”.
However, his display dipped below his usual standards in the second half. Il Messaggero admitted that the midfielder “feels the fatigue” during the crucial match.
Scott McTominay and Enzo Fernandez
McTominay battles Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez(Image: Ivan Romano/Getty Images)
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Corriere dello Sport
McTominay was given a slightly improved score of 6.5 by Corriere dello Sport. The midfielder “fights in Premier League style” and “with all the grit he can muster”.
However, the current Serie A MVP did not manage to get on the scoresheet and was unable to find the vital goals for Napoli on the night.
Essere Partnopei
That rating was matched by Essere Partnopei, who also praised McTominay’s energy in midfield. The United academy graduate was “very active as always” and “ plays a lot of good balls” but he was unable to prevent his side exiting the Champions League.
Napoli Magazine
The Napoli Magazine did not provide a match rating but confessed that McTominay was “not at his best”. A key player for Conte, he was “still committed” but failed to guide Napoli to a positive result.