Napoli secured a huge win over AC Milan in the Serie A title race with Italian media delivering a clear Scott McTominay point
Scott McTominay was praised for his selfless performance in Napoli's win over AC Milan
Scott McTominay was praised for his selfless performance in Napoli's win over AC Milan(Image: (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Scott McTominay endured a quiet night for Napoli by his own lofty standards. However, the Italian media still praised his selfless display in the 1-0 win over AC Milan on Monday evening.
Antonio Conte's side moved above their rivals and into second courtesy of Matteo Politano's 79th-minute strike off the bench. Seven points now separate Napoli and Serie A leaders Inter Milan following their 5-2 victory over AS Roma on Sunday.
McTominay played the full 90 minutes for only the second time since late January having missed four games with injury across February and March. Conte will certainly be delighted to have the 29-year-old back to full fitness, with sections of the Italian media brutally honest in their assessment of his quiet evening.
At the same time, however, there were also some kind words for his work ethic, as well as the selfless job he was asked to do in a cagey game for Napoli.
Tutto Sport
While McTominay did not have a direct impact on the game, Tutto Sport were keen to praise his work off the ball and support for centre-forward Giovane Nascimento.
Scott McTominay and Napoli team-mates react
Scott McTominay was key to Napoli's win over AC Milan on Monday
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He was rated a 6.5/10, with their description of his display stating: "He often rises to support Giovane to give the team a solution on high balls, a 'plan B' that becomes the main one when Conte puts him in charge. He doesn't do badly, but it's a game of great tactical sacrifice."
Gazetta dello Sport
The clash between Napoli and AC Milan was not full of highlights with McTominay one of many struggling to make an impact on the game. Exactly that was referenced by Gazetta dello Sport, who said he was "silent" up until picking the ball up inside the box after 50 minutes.
His overall display was also described as "average" by the Italian publication, who later added in their player ratings that he "deserved a 6."
Il Napolista
The former Manchester United man was much more improved in the second half of the win over Napoli with Il Napolista making a point of his improvement as the game wore on.
"The first half isn't great, but in the second half Scott the Red takes on the role of a vertical man and Naples finds its way back to the center."
He was given a 6/10 for his performance.
Scott McTominay attempting a bicycle kick during Napoli vs AC Milan
Scott McTominay failed to pull off another memorable bicycle kick during Napoli vs AC Milan
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Il Messaggero
Il Messaggero were much more brutal in their assessment of McTominay as he was rated a 6/10 with his failed bicycle kick attempt as their highlight
There was also no mention for the sacrificial role he was forced to play in order to help Napoli secure a fifth consecutive victory.
They wrote: "Less explosive than usual. He only made his mark with an attempted overhead kick at the end of the first half."