Conte Sees Red as McTominay Double Earns Napoli Dramatic Draw at Inter
Antonio Conte was sent off in dramatic fashion as Napoli rescued a late 2-2 draw against Inter in a heated Serie A summit clash at San Siro, with Scott McTominay once again proving decisive for the visitors.
The Napoli manager erupted on the touchline after his side conceded a late penalty, kicking a loose ball in frustration before being shown a red card. Despite the chaos, Napoli held their nerve on the pitch, with McTominay scoring both goals to secure a crucial point.
Inter had struck first inside nine minutes when Federico Dimarco finished from a tight angle, capitalising on early pressure from the hosts. Napoli responded with growing control, and McTominay levelled just before the half hour mark, converting from close range to settle his side.
The result carries weight in the title race. Inter remain top of the Serie A table on 43 points, while Napoli stay firmly in contention despite a season disrupted by injuries. Conte’s side continue to show resilience in high pressure fixtures, even amid growing touchline drama.
San Siro provided a charged backdrop, with a frenetic atmosphere from kickoff. Inter pressed aggressively early on, using Dimarco and Mkhitaryan to stretch Napoli’s defensive shape, while Napoli gradually found rhythm through midfield combinations and quick transitions.
The key flashpoint arrived in the final 20 minutes. Amir Rrahmani was penalised following a heavy challenge on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with VAR confirming the decision. Conte reacted furiously, launching a spare ball upfield before confronting the fourth official, forcing club staff to escort him away.
Hakan Calhanoglu calmly converted the resulting penalty to restore Inter’s lead, sending the home crowd into celebration. Napoli, however, refused to fold and pushed forward with renewed urgency.
The equaliser arrived through McTominay, who met a precise cut-back from Noa Lang and guided a low volley into the corner. It was a moment of composure and quality that capped another influential display from the midfielder.
The second half saw both sides trade momentum, with missed chances and tactical adjustments shaping a tense finale. Napoli’s willingness to commit numbers forward left space at the back, while Inter looked to manage the game through possession and discipline.
Late on, nerves crept in as Napoli pressed for a winner and Inter threatened on the break. Despite Conte’s dismissal and the hostile environment, the visitors held firm to close out the draw.
Napoli now turn their attention to upcoming league fixtures against Parma and Sassuolo, before a crucial Champions League trip to Copenhagen. For Conte’s side, the performance reinforced their credentials as genuine contenders, while McTominay’s growing influence continues to define their season.