Kieron Bowie fires World Cup message as crucial first Serie A strike downs Scotland teammate

The Scotland striker had gone four matches without scoring - or tasting victory - since joining the Italian side in the January transfer window in a £7million move from Hibs.

He did contribute an assist in his second appearance by winning a penalty for his side in the 2-1 defeat by Parma on February 15, with Verona picking up only one point from a possible 12 since Bowie joined their ranks, leaving them bottom of the table.

However, the former Raith Rovers youngster is now off the mark for I Gialloblù after scoring the decisive goal to clinch a surprise 2-1 comeback win at Bologna on Sunday.

Bowie struck in the 57th minute, racing onto a low cross from Gift Orban to convert from 12 yards, just four minutes after the visitors had drawn level through Martin Frese, who cancelled out Jonathan Rowe’s 49th minute opener for hosts.

The goal ended Verona’s 12-game run without a victory and lifted the club off the bottom of Serie A, three points clear of Pisa, and to within seven points of safety, with 10 matches remaining.

This result ensured Bowie got the better of national team-mate, Lewis Ferguson, who returned to the Bologna starting line-up after a spell on the bench but was substituted midway through the second half.

Bowie was dropped for the November internationals which saw Scotland secure their place in a first World Cup in 28 years having featured regularly in squads throughout 2025, winning his first two caps.

He now hopes to be part of Steve Clarke’s selection for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast at the end of the month with a World Cup call-up the ultimate goal.

Speaking after his maiden strike for Verona, Bowie said: "A striker's job is to score, and scoring the winner is very satisfying, especially after a few chances I'd missed. The first goal is always special. Now it must be a starting point for me and the team. I dedicate it to my family.

"I thank him (Gift Orban) very much for the assist; we're getting along better and better together. Without pressure, I hope I can do it, and I'm just a part of the team here. I hope the team manages to survive.

"As for Scotland, I hope to play the friendlies this month, do well there and then potentially play my cards right for the World Cup."

Verona next host 15th-placed Genoa next Sunday while Bologna take on Serie A rivals Roma in the Europa League on Thursday before visiting Sassuolo.