Italian press react to Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund display as Napoli win 3-2 to continue title charge

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Former Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund were in action for Napoli as they extended their lead at the top of Serie A.

On the same night that Scott McTominay finished 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the Carrington graduate featured for Napoli against Pisa.

A 3-2 win kept Napoli at the top of the Serie A table and continued their flawless start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Rasmus Hojlund starred on his Napoli debut after choosing to join Scott McTominay in Italy this summer by signing on a season-long loan deal that will become permanent next summer if they qualify for the Champions League.

The Dane was also in action for Napoli, but both former United players failed to impress the Italian media.

What Italian media said about Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund displays

McTominay played the full 90 minutes against Pisa, while Rasmus Hojlund started up front before being replaced by match-winner Lorenzo Lucca in the 78th minute.

It was a hard-fought win for Antonio Conte’s side, with Pisa scoring their second in the 90th minute to set up a nervy end.

Eurosport handed McTominay a 6.5 rating and added: “Quite shackled by Pisa, but still finds a way to leave his mark: great ball for Lucca, who makes it three.”

However, Hojlund was given a lower mark of 5.5, with the outlet writing: “Not as good as he was in Florence. He was involved in the action that led to Elmas’s disallowed goal, but he missed a chance out of pure selfishness and was well contained by the Pisa defense.”

Italian outlet Rainews also pointed out Hojlund’s “selfishness” in the first half when he chose to shoot instead of find a pass to McTominay.

Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund chasing silverware

It is looking more and more likely that Napoli will buy Hojlund for £38m next summer after their electric start to the season.

Last campaign, McTominay was named Serie A MVP as Napoli won the league title. This season, they have started their title defence brilliantly.

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While United are aiming to secure a return to European football, two of their former players are teaming up in what appears to be one of Europe’s strongest sides.

Next up for Napoli, McTominay and Hojlund is a fierce clash against title rivals AC Milan.