Scott McTominay is Napoli's hero as Scotland talisman gives latest on hamstring issue
Italian champions up to second place as talisman strikes again
Scott McTominay’s early strike was enough to give Serie A champions Napoli a big victory away at Cagliari.
Making his first start for Napoli since netting in a 2-0 win over Genoa on February 7, McTominay emphasised his importance to Antonio Conte’s side by bundling home the winner just two minutes into the clash at Unipol Domus.
The goal was scrappy but McTominay will care little. A corner made its way to the far post and the 29-year-old was able to squeeze the ball beyond Cagliari keeper Elia Caprile. His efforts throughout the match landed him the man-of-the-match award.
Napoli dominated large parts of the match thereafter but were unable to add to their tally. Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund - who scored last weekend - was quiet in attack, while Kevin de Bruyne shone in the No 10 role.
McTominay’s fellow Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour started in the centre of midfield and lasted 77 minutes before being replaced by Frank Anguissa.
The win moves Napoli up to second spot in Serie A, six points behind leaders Internazionale, although they have a game in hand. Third-placed AC Milan could leap back above Gli Azzurri should they defeat Torino on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking after the match, McTominay said: “I’ve obviously had an issue with hamstring tendon that needs managing. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the gym to get back to a high level and playing games regularly again.
“I am a terrible watcher. No footballer wants to be injured - it’s the worst thing in the world.”
Elsewhere on Friday night, Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller was named on the bench by Udinese for their game away to Genoa.
McTominay, Gilmour and Miller will now all head to Glasgow to meet up with the Scotland squad ahead of friendlies against Japan at Hampden and Ivory Coast at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Their next Serie A engagements are on the first weekend of April (4/5).
On teaming up with his Scotland teammates, McTominay added in an interview with BBC Alba: “I can’t wait. I’ve not seen many of the players since November - I’ve not been home since November. I’m looking forward to seeing friends and my family.
"To see the boys and prepare for a great summer coming up is something that we're really looking forward to."
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