In a tense encounter that showcased the pressure of the Serie A title race, Scott McTominay emerged as the hero for Napoli, scoring a crucial second-half header to secure a 1-0 victory against relegation-threatened Monza on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This win propelled Napoli to level with league leaders Inter Milan, both teams now sitting at 71 points after 33 matches.
McTominay's decisive goal came in the 72nd minute, a moment that not only sealed three points for Napoli but also highlighted the midfielder's growing importance to the team. The Scotland international redirected a beautifully lofted cross from Giacomo Raspadori, showcasing his aerial prowess and marking his 10th goal across all competitions for the club this season.
Despite the victory, Napoli's performance was far from dominant. The match, which pitted a title contender against a side languishing at the bottom of the league, was marked by missed opportunities and a lack of clinical finishing. McTominay himself had earlier tested Monza goalkeeper Stefano Turati with a free-kick that was easily saved, and a header from Amir Rrahmani that flew just wide of the target.
Monza, who won their first-ever promotion to Serie A in 2022, took encouragement from Napoli's struggles and created a significant chance through Gaetano Castrovilli, whose shot narrowly missed the far post. The home side continued to press, but Napoli's defense held firm until McTominay's late intervention turned the tide.
After the match, McTominay reflected on the importance of the win, stating, "We just have to keep doing our job, keep winning. At the business end of the season, that's what you got to do. It's getting that level every game. We have a coach who is very, very demanding who expects that from us every game. So for us, it's about pressuring Inter Milan and seeing where that gets us." His sentiments echoed the urgency felt within the squad as they push for the title.
Coach Antonio Conte, who has faced criticism from the Italian press for Napoli's inconsistent performances earlier in the season, praised his team's resilience. "These are games that look easy on paper but there's so much on the line that the pressure is enormous," Conte said. "It's unexpected and extraordinary to be in the title race with Inter. We want to keep bothering them." The victory places additional pressure on Inter, who are set to face in-form Bologna on Sunday.
Conte's tactical acumen has been pivotal in rejuvenating Napoli's title hopes, especially after a difficult period where the team struggled for goals. McTominay's recent form has been a significant factor in this resurgence, as he also scored twice in a 3-0 win over Empoli just days before the match against Monza.
"He's helping us a lot. He's a great player. But we knew that," Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo said of McTominay. "What maybe we didn't know was what type of impact he would make right away. We're enjoying it. He's an extraordinary kid."
As the season approaches its climax, Napoli is chasing its second Serie A title in three years, a remarkable turnaround from finishing 10th last season. With only five rounds remaining, the stakes are high, and every match becomes crucial. McTominay's contributions will be vital as the team seeks to maintain pressure on their rivals.
In other Serie A action, Roma extended their unbeaten streak to 17 matches with a 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona, thanks to an early goal from Eldor Shomurodov. Meanwhile, Como secured a vital 3-0 win against Lecce, effectively ensuring their safety in the top flight for another season.
As the title race heats up, Napoli's next fixtures will be critical. With McTominay in fine form and a determined squad behind him, the Partenopei are poised to make a serious challenge for the Serie A crown. The pressure is on, but as McTominay stated, it all comes down to winning.
