McTominay Late Strike Rescues Napoli at Inter
Napoli deny Inter victory in San Siro showdown
Scott McTominay struck late to earn Napoli a crucial point in a thrilling 2-2 draw away at Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Defending champions Napoli looked set for defeat when Hakan Çalhanoglu converted a second-half penalty, but McTominay’s 81st-minute finish ensured Antonio Conte’s side remain within four points of the summit at the halfway stage of the season.
Fast start from Inter
Inter made the perfect opening at San Siro, taking the lead inside nine minutes. Marcus Thuram surged forward before releasing Federico Dimarco, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner.
The hosts, unbeaten in the league since November, threatened to run away with the contest but Napoli responded with growing confidence.
McTominay makes his mark again
Napoli’s equaliser arrived through a familiar source. Leonardo Spinazzola and Eljif Elmas combined down the left, with Elmas picking out McTominay, who swept home with composure.
The Scotland international nearly doubled his tally shortly afterwards, while Inter responded through Thuram and Yann Bisseck, the latter wasting a clear opening before halftime.
Penalty drama and Conte sent off
Napoli began the second half strongly, with Rasmus Højlund striking the post as Conte’s side pushed for control.
Inter regained momentum after substitutions, and Henrik Mkhitaryan won a penalty following a challenge by Amir Rrahmani. Conte was furious on the touchline and was shown a red card, while Çalhanoglu calmly dispatched the spot-kick to restore Inter’s lead.
Late Napoli response
With Inter poised to move seven points clear, Napoli refused to surrender. Substitute Noa Lang made an immediate impact, stretching to keep Matteo Politano’s cross alive.
McTominay reacted quickest inside the area, firing home a first-time volley to secure his second goal of the night and a precious point for the visitors.
Points shared at the summit
Both managers made further changes after the equaliser, but neither side could find a winner. The 2-2 draw leaves Inter still top and winless in their last five meetings with Napoli, while Conte’s champions remain firmly in the title race.
