Scott McTominay has cemented his status as a key figure for Napoli, delivering a powerful performance to help the club secure the Supercoppa Italiana trophy on Monday evening.
Midfield Masterclass Seals Silverware
The Scotland international played the full 90 minutes as manager Antonio Conte's side deservedly beat Bologna 2-0 in the domestic showpiece. While Brazilian winger David Neres grabbed the headlines with a match-winning brace, McTominay's influence from the centre of the park was equally vital to the triumph.
This victory marks the second piece of silverware the former Manchester United midfielder has won since his move to Italy, further vindicating his transfer. His display in the final was befitting of the Serie A Footballer of the Year award he claimed last season for his dominant league form.
Italian Press in Universal Praise
The 29-year-old's all-action performance did not go unnoticed by Italy's demanding sports media. Corriere della Sera awarded him a 7/10 match rating, highlighting his "dynamism" throughout the contest. Similarly, Corriere dello Sport gave him a 7, noting he was "less flashy than usual in the first half but no less present," and emphasised how he easily won his duel with Bologna's Tommaso Pobega.
Other major outlets echoed this positive assessment:
- Sky Sport Italy and Football Italia both deemed his performance worthy of a 7.
- La Repubblica scored him 6.5, framing his night as a Scottish midfield battle which he won against compatriot Lewis Ferguson.
- Il Giornale also gave 6.5, stating: “McTominay wasn’t as brilliant as in other matches but still always finds ways to be dangerous.”
Eurosport Italy lauded both McTominay and his former United teammate Rasmus Hojlund, describing their contributions as "excellent."
Key Moments in a Dominant Display
McTominay was at the heart of Napoli's most promising attacks. Early on, he threaded a sublime pass to send Eljif Elmas clean through, only for the Macedonian to fire wide. Just before half-time, he was denied a goal by a fine save from Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.
His athleticism and physical prowess allowed him to control the midfield, and he was instrumental in the build-up to Napoli's attacking phases. In the 77th minute, he saw an acrobatic effort at the far post saved, having minutes earlier played a crucial pressing role in the move that led to Neres' second goal.
Under Conte's tutelage, McTominay's rich vein of form shows no sign of abating. This season across all competitions, he has contributed five goals and three assists.
Following the Christmas break, Napoli and McTominay will return to Serie A action against Cremonese. The champions currently trail league leaders Inter Milan by just two points as they continue their title defence.
