Scott McTominay gets honest verdict from Italian media after Chelsea blow

Napoli and Scott McTominay exited the Champions League after losing to Chelsea on Wednesday night

Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay endured disappointment as Napoli were eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday night. The current Serie A champions were denied a play-off spot following a home defeat to Chelsea.

Napoli became one of the tournament’s biggest casualties on a dramatic Champions League evening. The Italian outfit, despite enjoying home comforts against Liam Rosenior’s side, finished 30th in the final standings while their visitors secured sixth place.

McTominay and Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund were unable to prevent a 3-2 loss in Naples. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez broke the deadlock but the hosts hit back through Antonio Vergara and Hojlund before the break.

After the interval, a Joao Pedro double condemned Antonio Conte’s men to their fate. Here’s how the Italian press assessed McTominay’s display.

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Il Napolista

The Italian outlet awarded McTominay a player rating of six. The midfielder’s “mettle” earned recognition but he was criticised for several turnovers in the middle of the park.

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However, Il Napolista acknowledged that McTominay carried a menace in attack, “to the point of scaring [Chelsea goalkeeper Robert] Sanchez”. It still wasn’t enough for Antonio Conte’s team.

Il Messaggero

The publication also gave McTominay’s showing a six. The former United midfielder was described as being “average” in the first half, which was contested at “very high levels”.

Yet his contribution fell short of his typical standards after the break. Il Messaggero admitted that the midfielder “feels the fatigue” during the vital clash.

Corriere dello Sport

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”.

However, the current Serie A MVP failed to trouble the scorers and could not deliver the crucial goals for Napoli on the night.

Essere Partnopei

That rating was equalled by Essere Partnopei, who similarly commended McTominay’s drive in the middle of the park. The United academy product was “very active as always” and ” plays a lot of good balls” but did not stop his team from crashing out of the Champions League.

Napoli Magazine

While Napoli Magazine did not give player ratings, its match report stated McTominay was “not at his best”. A vital player for Conte, he was “still committed” but couldn’t steer Napoli into the next round.

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