Scott McTominay double earns Napoli draw against title rivals Inter Milan

Scott McTominay struck in the 81st minute to rescue Napoli a point in a top-of-the-table clash at current Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Defending champions Napoli were set to taste defeat at San Siro when Hakan Calhanoglu scored from the penalty spot with 17 minutes left.

McTominay had other ideas and added to his first-half effort with a close-range volley to keep Antonio Conte’s team only four points off pace-setters Inter at the midway point of the league season.

Napoli had dropped to fourth by the time of kick-off after Roma’s win over Sassuolo on Saturday and quickly went behind inside nine minutes.

Marcus Thuram raced at the Napoli defence and played through to Federico Dimarco, who rifled into the bottom corner.

It was the perfect start for in-form Inter, without a league loss since November, but McTominay inflicted damage again like he did in the first meeting between the clubs in October.

Leonardo Spinazzola combined with Eljif Elmas and the latter picked out McTominay, who swept home with aplomb.

McTominay went close again soon after before Inter responded and Thuram had an effort saved.

Yann Bisseck squandered another opportunity for the hosts before half-time to ensure it remained level at the break.

With Conte’s team-talk fresh in the memory, Napoli started the second period strongly and Rasmus Hojlund struck the post before Cristian Chivu turned to his bench just beyond the hour mark.

Henrik Mkhitaryan was introduced after 62 minutes and six minutes later won Inter a spot-kick after a foul by Amir Rrahmani.

Conte was incensed and received his marching orders before Calhanoglu retained his composure to convert from 12 yards.

With Inter 2-1 up and set to open up a seven-point lead to Napoli, Conte reacted with Noa Lang sent on and the substitute had an instant impact.

Matteo Politano’s cross looked set to head out for a goal kick until Lang stuck a leg out and team-mate McTominay was quickest to react to rifle home a first-time shot.

Conte and Chivu both made changes after the goal, but it ended 2-2 and Inter remain winless in five against Napoli.