Italian Media Reaction as Premier League Outcast Steals Show from Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay has thrived at Napoli this season, but another man with Premier League experience took centre stage at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday evening. The Scotland international was unavailable for the Serie A champions due to an injury that his club hopes isn't too serious, meaning the former Manchester United midfielder was unable to claim the spotlight as he has so frequently done for Antonio Conte's side.
Malen's Double Steals the Show
In McTominay's absence, it was Donyell Malen who emerged as the match's standout performer. The Dutch forward arrived at Roma on loan from Aston Villa in January, and his double against Napoli took his tally to an impressive five goals in just five appearances for the capital club.
Malen put Roma ahead on two separate occasions away at McTominay's Napoli, only for the home side to respond each time through Leonardo Spinazzola - netting against his former employers - and substitute Alisson Santos. The latter's goal marked a dream Serie A debut for the Brazilian following his loan switch from Sporting CP just a fortnight earlier.
The 2-2 stalemate ensured Napoli retained third position in the Serie A table, with Roma trailing by just three points in fourth place. Here's how the Italian press responded after Sunday's thrilling encounter finished level.
Il Napolista: A Point Gained Amid Absences
Under normal circumstances, surrendering points at home against a top-four challenger might prove frustrating for Napoli supporters. Yet Il Napolista acknowledged the importance of securing a result while several key players - including McTominay - were unavailable.
"In the end, all's well that ends well. Especially considering how things were going," they observed. "It's worth remembering that Conte's team played without McTominay and the final twenty minutes without Amir Rrahmani, who was injured and caused the penalty to make it 2-1. Napoli avoided being overtaken by Roma, who remain on three points, but it feels like four because the Azzurri are ahead in the head-to-head matches."
Il Messagero: Malen's Threatening Presence
With McTominay missing from Napoli's midfield, Eljif Elmas was required to operate slightly deeper than usual and didn't have his best game according to Il Messagero. "He has his usual dynamism, but struggles against Bryan Cristante, who does a good job of limiting him," the newspaper reported.
However, the publication offered contrasting praise for Roma's standout performer Malen. "Just seven minutes in, he turns the only good play from the young Bryan Zaragoza into gold," they commented about the Dutch forward. "Sometimes he's too alone, but he always gives the impression of posing a threat to Napoli's defensive trio. He almost doubles the lead after a solo effort. He was asked to score against a big team, and he didn't hold back."
Corriere dello Sport: Napoli's Identity Upended
Corriere dello Sport's coverage highlighted the extensive list of absentees to which McTominay contributed significantly. "Without four key players like McTominay, Frank Anguissa, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and David Neres, their identity is completely upended," they noted, also mentioning long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne.
The same publication featured comments from Roma boss Gian Pieri Gasperini heaping praise on Malen's performance. "Malen? I've always been incredibly confident," the former Atalanta manager said, suggesting Roma would have "a few more points" had they possessed the striker throughout the entire campaign.
"He has the best attributes for a striker in my opinion," Gasperini added. "This team needs someone like him; he's often put in a dangerous position. However, we can always do better."
Away from the on-field action, Corriere dello Sport reported on Sunday that Napoli are pursuing a contract extension for McTominay. "He isn't just the present: he's the future," they wrote of the man who helped his team secure the Scudetto last term.
