Scott McTominay Makes History as Napoli Grab Control of Serie A Title Race
It’s not every day you see a Scotland international running the show in Italy, but that’s exactly what happened when Scott McTominay fired Napoli to the top of Serie A with a clinical brace against Torino. On April 27, the midfielder struck twice before halftime, seizing the spotlight and breaking a record that had stood since the 1960s. His efforts came at a perfect moment, with Napoli now sitting three points ahead of their stuttering rivals Inter Milan as the campaign barrels toward a dramatic finish.
McTominay kicked off the scoring in just the seventh minute, reacting smartly to an incisive pass from Andre-Frank Anguissa. That early goal sent a jolt through the Napoli fans, who have grown used to tight, nervy affairs this season. But the Scottish midfielder wasn’t done. On the stroke of halftime, he took advantage of a defensive scramble in Torino’s box, steering the ball home after a cross was poorly cleared. Suddenly, it was déjà vu — McTominay’s name was on the scoresheet again, his fifth goal in just three appearances. By reaching 11 goals this season, he toppled a 63-year-old single-season Serie A record for Scottish players, previously held by the legendary Denis Law.
With Napoli’s attack blunted in recent months by injuries to key men Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, someone needed to step up. McTominay’s run of form has transformed Napoli’s midfield from functional to formidable, all while adding a jolt of unpredictability opponents are struggling to contain. Philip Billing almost added more gloss to the performance midway through the second half, rattling the crossbar with a thumping header, but it was McTominay’s pair that made the points safe.
Inter Milan Falter As Napoli Take Their Chance
Earlier that day, Inter Milan did themselves no favors. Their 1-0 defeat at home to Roma marked their third straight loss, extending a miserable run that has seen their title bid unravel at exactly the wrong moment. The pressure at the San Siro is reaching boiling point. While Inter have faltered, Napoli have seized their chance, surging back to the top with just four games left to play. This is the club’s first solo lead since February — and now, the title is in their hands.
Manager Antonio Conte called for calm as the city’s football pulse quickened. McTominay echoed his boss after the whistle, saying, "We need to stay calm and take it game by game." For Napoli fans, the mix of hope and tension will feel familiar. The club’s last flurry of league success came during Diego Maradona’s era, with titles in 1987 and 1990. This time, there’s a sense that history might just repeat itself, with a different cast but no less drama. Napoli are only four games away from another crown — but with Inter Milan lurking, the fight is far from over.