Ex-Napoli striker warns Chelsea as McTominay ‘one of the top three midfielders in Europe’ | OneFootball

Former Napoli striker Goran Pandev admits the Partenopei are struggling due to an injury crisis, but should be confident against Chelsea, having Scott McTominay ‘one of the top three midfielders in Europe.

Napoli host Chelsea at the Stadio Maradona this evening and will be looking for a win to qualify for the knock-out play-off.

The defending Serie A champions have over ten first-team players unavailable, including Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, Amir Rrahmani, Matteo Politano, David Neres and Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Pandev: ‘McTominay one of the top three midfielders in Europe’

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Napoli are going through an unprecedented moment. It’s inevitably a team in difficulty, but I believe in them,” Pandev told Gazzetta.

“Anyone who has one of the top three midfielders in Europe, and I’m referring to McTominay, can allow themselves to feel confident within. Chelsea are a very good team, but Conte knows how to win. The Maradona can carry the team along; the rest will be done by Hojlund.”

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Amir Rrahmani, Sam Beukema and Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates victory following the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

All 18 Champions League matches are played simultaneously tonight, including Monaco-Juve, Borussia Dortmund-Inter and Union Saint Gilloise-Atalanta.

“Italian football could send four out of four through, maybe even some to the Round of 16, avoiding play-offs,” Pandev concluded.

Napoli have earned eight points in seven Champions League games this season, collecting just two victories. Due to a poor goal difference (-5) they are currently out of the top 24.

McTominay has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season, collecting 2621 minutes on the pitch.