Naples, Italy – Scott McTominay don burst into tears of joy as him help Napoli claim their fourth Serie A title after a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Friday night. McTominay scored a fine acrobatic volley, nailing his 12th goal of the season. Romelu Lukaku later added the second goal, sealing the victory and ensuring Napoli held off Inter Milan, who were chasing for the title.
As soon as the match finish, McTominay, the Scotland midfielder, was crowned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season. ‘I’m lost for words. It’s incredible the sacrifice that every single player has put in for this cause,’ McTominay said after the match. ‘The people deserve this title because they stood by us from day one; for me to experience this is a dream come true.’
Last summer, McTominay made the bold decision to leave Manchester United, where he had grow up for over 20 years, in search of a new adventure. Napoli swooped in, paying £25.6 million for him, a fee that now looks like a steal. His former boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, commented, ‘How you can sell Scott is beyond me.’ Meanwhile, United has found themselves struggling through their worst season since the mid-1970s.
Ex-Scotland player Don Hutchison also praised McTominay’s progress, noting that it was going to Napoli and receiving faith from the manager that transformed his game. ‘He looks like he is loving life,’ Hutchison stated. ‘He’s been with United for four or five years, but it has been going to Napoli that has taken him up a notch.’
The journey to Naples wasn’t straight-forward; Napoli was initially close to signing Frosinone’s Marco Brescianini. However, that deal fell through, leading to McTominay’s signing becoming a fortuitous twist that changed the course of Napoli’s season.
In his first season, McTominay notched 12 goals in 34 Serie A games and even found the net in the Coppa Italia. Moreover, his play style shifted significantly under coach Antonio Conte, pushing him into a more attacking midfield role. ‘In the system of Conte, he’s not a builder; he’s a raider,’ explained Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino, highlighting how the new formation better suited McTominay’s abilities.
McTominay has also stepped up as a leader on the team, helping diffuse tensions in-game. He has earned respect not only for his skills on the pitch but also for his dedication and passion. His newfound popularity among fans is evidenced by fan tattoos, cakes emblazoned with his image, and effigies showcased in local chapters, showing how he has become a cultural icon in Naples.
‘I took the opportunity when it came and didn’t look back. There’s no holding me back,’ McTominay expressed, pointing toward his deep love for the city and the fans. He even praised local tomatoes, stating, ‘Here they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack.’
This season marks a big breakthrough as McTominay isn’t the only Scot winning in Serie A. His friend Billy Gilmour joined Napoli as well and has also contributed significantly. Together, they have demonstrated the impact western Scots can have in Italian football.
As Napoli embraces its new football hero, McTominay—known affectionately as ‘McFratm’ and dubbed other nicknames as well—has truly entered into the folklore of a city that celebrates its legends with fervor.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
