Scott McTominay has emerged as a key player for Napoli this season, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Monza on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This win not only boosted Napoli's chances in the Serie A title race but also marked McTominay's tenth goal across all competitions since joining the club last summer from Manchester United.
In a match that saw Napoli struggling to break down the resilient Monza defense, McTominay's 72nd-minute header from a cross by Giacomo Raspadori proved to be the difference-maker. His goal allowed Napoli to level on points with league leaders Inter Milan, who are set to face Bologna on Sunday. With this victory, Napoli sits at 71 points, putting pressure on Inter as the title race intensifies.
McTominay's performance has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has now scored three goals in the last two league matches, including a brace against Empoli just days earlier. This prolific scoring run has made him the most effective debutant midfielder for Napoli since Marek Hamsik, who also had a remarkable first season with the club.
Antonio Conte, the Napoli coach, had previously urged McTominay to step up his game, and the Scotland international has certainly responded. "The team needed more from him," Conte remarked, and it seems McTominay took those words to heart, showcasing his aerial prowess and composure in front of goal.
McTominay's journey to Napoli was marked by a £25 million transfer from Manchester United, where he had been a product of the youth academy since the age of five. His move has been described by pundits, including Gary Lineker, as a significant error on United's part, especially as the club currently languishes in 14th place in the Premier League.
Lineker commented on the situation, stating, "Scott McTominay has been a revelation for Napoli this season, scoring multiple goals and earning man-of-the-match awards. It's remarkable how well some of the former United players are doing, and it suggests something is a bit rotten at United at the moment." This sentiment underscores the stark contrast between McTominay's success in Italy and United's struggles.
As Napoli chases its second Serie A title in three years, the team is also navigating the pressures of the league. With just a few matches remaining, they are keenly aware that Inter's goal difference is significantly stronger, currently at +49 compared to Napoli's +27. This puts added pressure on Napoli to not only win their remaining fixtures but also hope for Inter to drop points.
In addition to McTominay's success, the match against Monza highlighted the ongoing issues for other Scottish players in Serie A. Billy Gilmour, another Scotland international, had a disappointing outing, being substituted at halftime without any indication of injury. This has raised questions about his position in the team as Napoli's formation continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, Napoli will be keeping a close eye on Inter's match against Bologna, hoping for a favor from their fellow Serie A team. However, they will not be able to count on Lewis Ferguson, another Scottish player, who is sidelined with a thigh strain.
As the Serie A season nears its conclusion, McTominay's contributions will be crucial for Napoli. His ability to find the back of the net and support the team in critical moments has made him a fan favorite and a pivotal figure in their title aspirations. The upcoming fixtures will be vital, and with the pressure mounting, every goal will count as Napoli looks to reclaim the Scudetto.
In the broader context of Serie A, this season has seen a resurgence for Napoli after a disappointing 10th-place finish last season. The team, under Conte's guidance, is aiming to return to the top of Italian football, and McTominay's form is a testament to the club's ambitions.
As the title race heats up, fans will be eagerly watching how Napoli performs in their next matches. With McTominay leading the charge, the Partenopei are not just competing for points but are also fighting to restore their status as champions of Italy.
