Scott McTominay denied by VAR as Napoli drop more points in draw against Parma

Scott McTominay was denied by a tight offside call as Napoli were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Parma on Wednesday.

The Scot, scorer of two against Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the weekend, thought he had struck again after 11 minutes at at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona but VAR ruled Pasquale Mazzocchi marginally offside.

The champions were unable to breach the Parma backline again and were forced to settle for a point for a third game in succession.

The result did extend their unbeaten run in the competition to five games but, having stated their title intentions with a strong display at San Siro on Sunday, it was a missed opportunity.

Manager Antonio Conte, serving a touchline ban, could only look on in disappointment from his position in a box high in the stand.

Napoli started well and McTominay turned the ball into the net on the rebound after a cross from Mazzocchi was diverted onto the post by Noa Lang.

His celebrations were cut short when, after review, it was determined Mazzocchi had edged narrowly offside in the build-up.

Napoli pressed on and Alessandro Buongiorno forced a save from debutant Parma goalkeeper Filippo Rinaldi with a powerful header.

Jacob Ondrejka was denied at the other end by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic but Rasmus Hojlund twice went close for Napoli when he tested Rinaldi and then headed wide before the break.

Napoli appealed for a penalty for handball against Alessandro Circati early in the second half but the ball struck his chest.

Lang had a volley blocked by Patrick Cutrone and Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed over as the hosts created further opportunities.

McTominay shot straight at Rinaldi, who also saved from Stanislav Lobotka, and Amir Rrahmani had a couple of efforts blocked.

Substitute David Neres, returning from an ankle injury, almost got on the end of a ball across goal from Leonardo Spinazzola but Enrico Del Prato made a vital interception.

Neres, who was only introduced in the 58th minute, was clearly not fully fit and was taken off himself after being booked late on.

His replacement Lorenzo Lucca had Napoli’s last chance when he shot wide.