Scott McTominay produced a moment of brilliance to earn Napoli a dramatic draw against Inter Milan, in a match overshadowed by a controversial penalty decision and a serious injury to Kevin De Bruyne. The Serie A champions were on the back foot after a 6-2 Champions League defeat to PSV and a previous league loss to Torino, but McTominay's stunning second-half strike ensured they shared the spoils.
McTominay, named Serie A's Most Valuable Player last season, had started slowly this campaign but rediscovered his form when it mattered most. After receiving a cross-field pass from Leonardo Spinazzola, he smashed a first-time shot into the bottom corner, leaving Inter's defence exposed. The goal was a reminder of his quality, having scored twice in the midweek defeat to PSV without being able to prevent the heavy loss.
The match was also notable for a contentious penalty awarded early on. Referee Maurizio Mariani initially waved play on after Giovanni Di Lorenzo went down under pressure from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but linesman Daniele Bindoni intervened, and Mariani pointed to the spot. Replays suggested the contact was minimal, and Inter president Beppe Marotta said the decision 'instilled a bitterness' in his players.
Kevin De Bruyne, who converted the penalty, immediately clutched his right hamstring and left the pitch in tears. Napoli confirmed on Monday that the Belgian suffered a high-grade tear in his right thigh, with reports indicating he will be sidelined for several months. His absence fuels debate over whether his arrival has hindered McTominay, who had been playing in a wider role since De Bruyne's signing.
Inter dominated the first half and hit the post twice, but they could not find a winner after McTominay's equaliser. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, had earlier complained that Napoli's busy transfer window had brought in too many new players, but McTominay took a pragmatic view, saying: 'It's football. You have to take it on the chin. There's always another game coming quick.'
