Ex-Manchester United star Scott McTominay could only help rescue a point for Napoli against Hellas Verona on Wednesday, leaving them third in Serie A and four points off the league’s summit
Scott McTominay cut an unusually glum figure as Napoli drew with Hellas Verona on Wednesday night. But Italian media unanimously agreed that he was the star man for Antonio Conte.
McTominay’s Serie A success since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2024 is no secret, with the 29-year-old being crowned the league’s MVP last season having won the title. He added the Italian Super Cup to his repertoire late in 2025.
His Napoli side are attempting to defend their league crown this season but suffered a setback at home on Wednesday against 19th-place Hellas Verona. The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead but goals from McTominay and Giovanni Di Lorenzo salvaged a draw.
McTominay was handed the Man of the Match award post-game but while he usually sports a grin in Naples, his expression was one of dismay as he collected the accolade. Despite this brief change in attitude, media outlets in Italy all agree that he was the driving force behind Napoli’s comeback, despite it not ending in three points.
La Gazzetta dello Sport
It was the Scottish star’s goal in the 54th minute that sparked Napoli’s revival on Wednesday and La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed him as the spark that helped them at least earn a point.
They rated McTominay a 6.5/10 for his role in the draw and wrote: “He fights like a highlander even on the most difficult days. It was his goal that put Napoli back on their feet.”
McTominay was also dubbed one of Napoli’s three best players on the night. They added: “The Azzurri’s best were Di Lorenzo, [Leonardo] Spinazzola and McTominay. The visitors had few incompetencies.”
Corriere dello Sport
Conte’s side surrendered ground in their pursuit of a second consecutive league title against Hellas Verona and Corriere dello Sport described this result as disappointing.
They claimed: “It was a disappointing performance from the Azzurri, but a source of pride for [Verona manager Paolo] Zanetti’s team, who came close to a feat against a team that hasn’t lost at home in over a year.”
But again, it was McTominay who was singled out for praise and rated a 7/10 for his impressive performance. They added: “McTominay was the driving force. In a first half where Napoli seemed to have lost their way, he was the last to surrender.
“His header was a manifesto of power and timing. Beyond the goal, he provided a physical presence that frightened Verona and reanimated a Maradona [stadium] frozen by the double disadvantage.”
Tuttosport
The praise for McTominay didn’t stop there, with Tuttosport also rating him a 7/10 and endlessly applauding him for how he almost single-handedly helped Conte’s side avoid defeat.
“The soul of the revolt,” they wrote. “In the tactical desert of the first half, he was the only one who tried to shake his team-mates with fierce runs.
“The goal was a reward for his stubbornness: he towered above everyone and reopened a match that seemed cursed. Without his lungs and his charisma, it would have been a nightmare evening for Conte.”
La Repubblica
Media in Italy were in complete agreement on Wednesday night regarding McTominay, with La Repubblica describing him as the “heart” of Conte’s team and a true leader.
“Conte’s Napoli saved themselves with nerves and with McTominay, avoiding a home collapse that would have opened a deep crisis,” they claimed. “The Scotsman confirmed himself as the ‘man of providence’, capable of transforming crosses into hope.”
La Repubblica rated McTominay a 6.5/10 on the night and wrote: “He is the beating heart of a team that at times seems soulless. In the first half, he wandered in search of his position.
“But in the second half, it was he who provided the spark with an imperial header. It was not just the goal. It was the sense of leadership he conveyed to his team-mates when the match seemed already lost.”
