Napoli crowned Serie A champions as McTominay steps out of United’s shadow

Napoli secured their fourth Serie A title on 23 May after a 2-0 win over Cagliari, holding off Inter Milan on the final day to reign once again in Italian football. It marks their second league triumph in three seasons and cements Scott McTominay's transformation from a Manchester United fringe figure to a central force in Naples.

The title-clinching match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona saw McTominay and Romelu Lukaku score the decisive goals, sending the packed stadium into raptures and sparking celebrations across the city. Napoli finished just one point above Inter, whose 2-0 victory at Como was rendered irrelevant as goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off before half-time in his final career appearance.

McTominay's opening goal—a spectacular volley just before the break from Matteo Politano's cross—was his 12th in the league, capping a remarkable debut campaign in Italy. Lukaku sealed the win early in the second half, bullying his way past Yerry Mina before slamming home the second to confirm the title.

The Scotland midfielder's impact has been immediate and profound. Signed on deadline day last August after Napoli's season had already begun with a heavy 3-0 defeat at Verona, McTominay arrived alongside Lukaku and fellow Scot Billy Gilmour to help salvage a team still reeling from a disappointing title defence the year before.

Under Antonio Conte, McTominay has flourished. With 13 goals and four assists in all competitions, he has emerged as the heartbeat of the team and a fan favourite. Dubbed "McFratm" by teammate Pasquale Mazzocchi—a Neapolitan term meaning 'brother'—McTominay has embraced the local culture, quickly becoming one of Naples' adopted sons.

"It's a beautiful country," McTominay told DAZN recently. "I love the culture here, I love the food, I love the way the people are—so welcoming. Naples is number one for me. Hopefully the people can see that I'm giving my all every time I go on the pitch."

Supporters have taken him into their hearts, even immortalising him in a street mural—an honour typically reserved for legends like Diego Maradona. By the end of October, Napoli were top of the table and engaged in a tight title race with Inter and Atalanta. McTominay, nicknamed "Braveheart" by fans, had become the club's new symbol of grit and passion.

For Inter, the Scudetto slipped away after losing 12 points from winning positions. Manager Simone Inzaghi prioritised their upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich by fielding a rotated side against Como, a decision that symbolised their shift in focus.

But for Napoli, and for McTominay, the league title represents a triumph of resurgence. After years of being a squad player at United—where he won only one FA Cup and a League Cup in eight seasons—the 28-year-old has finally stepped into the spotlight, leading a resurgent Napoli to glory.