January 12, (THEWILL) — Scott McTominay netted twice for Napoli to earn a 2-2 draw at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday, denying the hosts the chance to open a five-point gap at the top of Serie A. The result meant Cristian Chivu’s side could not take advantage after second-placed AC Milan had drawn 1-1 with Fiorentina earlier in the day.
Federico Dimarco put the Nerazzurri ahead after nine minutes, sliding a low finish past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from a narrow angle after Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram combined following McTominay’s loss of possession. The Scotland international atoned for his error 17 minutes later, timing his run perfectly to convert Eljif Elmas’ low delivery at the near post.
Hakan Calhanoglu restored the home side’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after referee Daniele Doveri consulted VAR and ruled that Amir Rrahmani had fouled Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Antonio Conte received a red card for his vehement protests, but Calhanoglu kept his composure to find the net via the post.
McTominay levelled matters again eight minutes later with a well-taken volley after Noa Lang kept Matteo Politano’s deep cross in play. The visitors survived a late scare when Mkhitaryan’s deflected effort struck the woodwork in stoppage time, but they held firm to claim a point.
The draw leaves both sides still in contention at the summit, with the Partenopei demonstrating their credentials in a pulsating encounter at San Siro.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
