Remember me
Scotland midfielder unable to inspire victory as VAR intervenes
Scott McTominay had a goal disallowed as Napoli dropped points for the third match running on a potentially damaging night for their Serie A title aspirations.
The defending champions were bouyed by a 2-2 draw away to league leaders Inter Milan on Sunday where they came from behind twice with McTominay netting a double.
However, the Naples outfit failed to build on that result as they were held to a goalless draw by a depleted Parma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night.
A frustrated Scott McTominay claps Napoli fans at the end of the goalless draw with Parma at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. (Photo by CARLO HERMANN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty ImagesThe result means Antonio Conte's side remain three points behind Inter, who could go six points clear if they defeat relegation threatened Lecce at the San Siro in the later kick-off.
McTominay thought he had scored his ninth goal of the season - and his 22nd in Napoli colours since signing from Manchester United in the summer of 2024 - in the 11th minute.
Pasquale Mazzocchi broke free on the right and his cross caused chaos in the box, with McTominay bundling the ball in during the scramble before celebrating with his team-mates.
However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a very marginal offside decision against Mazzocchi in the build-up.
Scott McTominay scores for Napoli against Parma but the goal was ruled out for offside. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe visitors put up a solid defensive performance thereafter to keep Napoli at bay with McTominay and his former Old Trafford teammate, Rasmus Hojlund, who is on loan from Man Utd, left frustrated in attack.
Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta name-checked the former Red Devils duo afterwards.
"Hojlund? We were careful," he said. "They're also strong on the right, we knew it would be difficult to manage those threats, as were McTominay and the players on the other flank. The guys did a great job reading the ball, even recovering the ball and regaining some space and managing it better."
Napoli assistant coach Cristian Stellini spoke afterwards and admitted that the players were not at their best, even McTominay, as he blamed fatigue.
"We're playing with the same team, the same players, in a lot of matches," Stellini said. "It'll be a tough season; these are no excuses. We want to improve, grow, but we know there will be difficulties. Even McTominay may be less lucid than usual."
McTominay and Napoli are next in action on Saturday, when they host Sassuolo, who have Scotland teammate Josh Doig in their ranks, in the 5pm (UK time) kick-off.