Scott McTominay made his full debut for Napoli in a 0-0 draw against European giants Juventus, and the Italian media have been quick to react to the Scotsman’s first outing in Naples blue.
The midfielder, who left Manchester United this summer after 22 years at the club, made his debut in a Serie A fixture, putting in a typically determined and hard-working performance.
Antonio Conte, the new manager at Napoli, brought in McTominay as part of a slew of new signings, brought in alongside Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres, and Leonardo Spinazzola.
Whilst he was unable to get a goal to go with his performance as he was known to do for Manchester United (and Scotland), he received widespread praise from the Italian media.
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James Horncastle, The Athletic’s Italian football expert pointed to the change in system from Conte to accommodate him, and made a wild comparison.
He tweeted: “OK his number isn't Diego's No.10 but McTominay's first start for Napoli is away to Juventus as their No.10 in a new 4-2-3-1 shape for Conte.
"My mind is blown.”
Corriere dello Sport said McTominay was a ‘dominant all-rounder with physique, technique, and personality’.
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Calcio Mercato heaped praise on the Scotsman, saying he was Napoli’s ‘next idol’, comparing him to the likes of Diego Maradona and Edinson Cavani.
As a Scot and Manchester United fan, you’ll hear no complaints in those comparisons from me.
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Gazetta were similarly full of praise for McTominay, saying Napoli would ‘hardly be able to do without the former United player’.
Whilst his full debut has seen praise heaped on the former United man, a 10 minute cameo against Cagliari did not receive the same reaction.
His performance received criticism, with some calling him stiff, and not up to standard.
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Conte was quick to defend McTominay alongside his new signings.
He said: “The more time passes, the more they fit into our idea, with David [Neres] we worked during the break, ten days with Billy [Gilmour] and Scott, it was positive.”
“They are understanding the idea of football we want to play.”
“They adapt to the type of work also from a physical, metabolic, strength point of view, what the coach asks
Topics: Scott Mctominay, Napoli, Serie A, Manchester United, Antonio Conte, Transfer News
Michael Slavin