Yahoo Sports Napoli Player Ratings vs Inter: McTominay Shines Bright
Serie A pacesetters Napoli held defending champions Inter to a nail-biting 1-1 draw in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Giuseppe Meazza. Antonio Conte’s side could’ve gone home pointless despite taking the lead but weathered the second-half storm.
Napoli came into this match seeking redemption for an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta last weekend. Conte returned to his old stomping ground as a foe, looking to lead the Partenopei to their first away league win against Inter since 2017.
The game couldn’t have started any better for Napoli. Summer signing Scott McTominay positioned himself to perfection inside Inter’s six-yard box to guide home Amir Rrahmani’s cutback in the 23rd minute. But the visitors failed to protect their lead.
With the derby approaching halftime, Hakan Calhanoglu scored a sensational long-range strike to draw Inter level. The same played could’ve poured more misery on Napoli in the second half but fluffed his lines from the spot.
Despite attempting zero shots on target after the break, Napoli avoided defeat at Meazza to enter November’s international break as table-toppers. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 7
There’s hardly anything he could’ve done to stop Calhanoglu’s rocket missile. However, he made three saves to help Napoli claim a point.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
He held up his end of the bargain in defense, but his signature runs down the flank were nowhere to be seen, especially in the second half.
Amir Rrahmani – 6.5
Despite assisting McTominay for the goal, the Kosovo international had several ups and downs, though he often fared well against Lautaro Martinez.
Alessandro Buongiorno – 7.5
Tonight’s performance qualifies him as one of Serie A’s best defenders. His athleticism and anticipation were off the charts, making him an impregnable obstacle for Inter forwards.
Mathias Olivera – 7
Like Buongiorno, the Uruguayan left-back had several crucial blocks, although his attacking contribution left plenty to be desired.
Billy Gilmour – 6
Once Stanislav Lobotka regains full fitness, the Scottish midfielder will likely return to the bench. Another lackluster showing!
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6.5
His physical presence helped Napoli go toe-to-toe with Inter in the engine room, but he could’ve done more in possession.
Scott McTominay – 7
It’s unsurprising Conte deviated from his trademark 3-5-2 set-up to accommodate the former Manchester United ace. The goal was a fitting reward for his energy and tenacity.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
It was perhaps his least impressive display this season. With Napoli preferring to attack through the left flank, he spent most of the game as a bystander.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
After making several brilliant progressive runs in the opening 20 minutes and launching Napoli’s first shot on target, the Georgian superstar vanished from the field. Despite showing flashes of his talent in the second half, it was insufficient.
Romelu Lukaku – 6
Constantly engaged in intense physical battles with Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi, the former Inter striker played a significant role in the build-up but proved an idle threat in the box.
