Antonio Conte has singled out Scott McTominay for praise as the Scotland star’s dream season in Italy continued.
McTominay played a key role in helping Napoli to a 2-0 success against Hellas Verona that maintains their place at the summit of Serie A. Lorenzo Montiop’s early own goal got Conte’s men off to the perfect start with just five minutes played, before ex-Fulham man André-Frank Zambo Anguissa added a second just after the hour mark. And Conte was left delighted with his side, as he singled out two of his summer additions for plaudits – including McTominay.
The former Chelsea boss, who faces losing star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this month, told Dazn: “There have certainly been changes since the beginning of the summer, especially as I’m still trying to find the right tactics for this team. The arrival of Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, in particular, has made a big difference to the switch to 4-3-3. We tried a couple of different formations before we settled on this one. There is more confidence now, and the whole squad is involved.”
Last month, McTominay, who spent 22 years at Manchester United before making the move to Italy, topped a list of total distance covered by all players in Serie A. Speaking about the distance he’s covering the 28-year-old said: “My role changes with every game – sometimes I am more forward and sometimes I have more of a protection role. It depends on the situations. My objective is the same, however, to create chances to score for myself or for my teammates, to be effective and also protect the defence.”
Whilst delighted with two of his summer purchaes, Conte admitted frustration with Georgian superstar Kvaratskhelia who is said to be a target for Liverpool and PSG, adding: “It’s a disappointment for me, not for the player or the club,” Conte said. “In six months I failed to change the situation, I believe a coach should help a club to make decisions and advise on what players to sign.
“When I realised that I was unable to make a difference here, that’s my disappointment. I take nothing from Khvicha, he’s a good lad, but everyone has to decide their own destiny, just as the club has to make its decisions.”