Italian media make feelings clear on Scott McTominay after heartbreak | Football | Sport

Napoli ranked among the tournament’s most surprising casualties on a dramatic Champions League evening. The Italian outfit, despite given a last-chance home match against Chelsea, finished 30th in the final standings, whilst their visitors secured sixth place in the league phase.

McTominay and fellow United loanee Rasmus Hojlund were part of a 3-2 loss in Naples. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, but the hosts replied through Antonio Vergara and Hojlund strikes before half-time.

After the break, a Joao Pedro double confirmed Antonio Conte’s side’s elimination. Here’s how the Italian press assessed McTominay’s display.

The Italian outlet awarded McTominay a player rating of six. The midfielder’s “mettle” received commendation but he was criticised for several possession losses in midfield.

Nevertheless, Il Napolista acknowledged that McTominay presented danger in attack, “to the point of scaring [Chelsea goalkeeper Robert] Sanchez”. It simply wasn’t sufficient for Antonio Conte’s squad.

The publication also awarded McTominay’s display a rating of six. The former United midfielder was characterised as “average” during the opening period, which was contested at “very high levels”.

Nevertheless, his showing dropped below his typical standards after the interval. Il Messaggero acknowledged that the midfielder “feels the fatigue” throughout the pivotal encounter.

McTominay received a marginally better mark of 6.5 from Corriere dello Sport. The midfielder “fights in Premier League style” and “with all the grit he can muster”.

Yet, the current Serie A MVP failed to find the net and couldn’t deliver the decisive strikes for Napoli during the evening.

This score was repeated by Essere Partnopei, who similarly praised McTominay’s vigour in the middle of the park. The United academy product was “very active as always” and ” plays a lot of good balls” though he couldn’t stop his team’s Champions League elimination.

Napoli Magazine chose not to assign a match score but acknowledged that McTominay was “not at his best”. A crucial figure for Conte, he remained “still committed” yet couldn’t steer Napoli towards a favourable outcome.