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Napoli Clinches Serie A Title

Published 8 hours ago4 minute read
Napoli Clinches Serie A Title

Scott McTominay has become a Napoli icon after his move from Manchester United. He cemented his place as a legend after helping Napoli secure the Serie A title. His acrobatic volley, his 12th goal of the season, gave Napoli the lead against Cagliari, followed by a goal from former Manchester United teammate Romelu Lukaku, securing a 2-0 victory. This win ensured Napoli held off Inter Milan to claim their fourth Serie A title. McTominay was also named Serie A's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season.

McTominay expressed his gratitude and joy, emphasizing the sacrifice of every player and the support of the fans. Leaving Manchester United, where he had spent most of his life, was a significant decision that has proven successful. He is celebrated with tattoos, flags, cakes, and even a shrine in Naples. The city treats its heroes like gods, reminiscent of their adoration for Diego Maradona.

Last summer, McTominay sought a change, and United needed funds to comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite spending over 20 years at United, starting at their soccer school at age five, he decided to move. The transfer fee of £25.7m is now considered a bargain. Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed disbelief at United's decision to sell him. Meanwhile, United faces their worst season since the mid-1970s, missing European competition for the second time since 1985.

Don Hutchison noted McTominay's happiness and credited Manchester United's backroom staff for his development. However, the move to Napoli almost didn't happen. Napoli initially intended to sign Marco Brescianini, but the deal fell through, leading to McTominay's arrival and Brescianini's move to Atalanta.

Under Antonio Conte, McTominay has thrived, scoring 12 goals in 34 Serie A games and one in the Coppa Italia. He was named Serie A player of the month for April and is a contender for May, also winning MVP. His success stems from playing an attacking central midfield role, contrasting his defensive midfield role at United. Conte's tactical adjustments have positioned McTominay as a 'raider,' benefiting from Romelu Lukaku's playmaking.

McTominay ranks high among midfielders for touches in the opposition penalty area and duels won. He has also assumed a leadership role. Vincenzo Credendino compared him to Conte's influential midfielders like Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, emphasizing the synergy between McTominay and Conte.

Naples, a one-club city, deeply reveres its heroes. McTominay's nicknames include McFratm, McTerminator, MacGyver, and apribottiglie. Eight of his twelve goals have broken 0-0 ties. McTominay has expressed his love for the fans and teammates, stating he has no regrets about his decision to join Napoli.

San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh displays a Scotland flag with the words 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order,' reflecting his popularity. Ciro Sartore attributes McTominay's popularity to his commitment to the city and the love he shows for Napoli, including kissing the badge. A shrine dedicated to McTominay has appeared in San Nicola a Nilo, celebrating his intensity and sacrifice. Fans appreciate his efforts to learn Italian and Neapolitan.

McTominay also praised the quality of Italian tomatoes, highlighting the freshness and taste of local produce. This season, McTominay and his friend Billy Gilmour, who also joined Napoli last summer, became the first Scots to win the Serie A title. Lewis Ferguson captained Bologna to a Coppa Italia victory, following in the footsteps of Graeme Souness, the previous Scottish winner of the Italian Cup.

Napoli clinched their fourth Serie A title by defeating Cagliari 2-0, with goals from McTominay and Lukaku. Despite Inter Milan's win against Como, Napoli secured the title by one point. Conte's management was crucial to this victory. Lukaku's goal was his 14th of the season, making him Napoli's top scorer. McTominay's stunning bicycle kick opened the scoring, underscoring his impactful debut season in Italy. The title race was fiercely competitive, with Napoli maintaining consistency to secure the championship. Inter Milan now focuses on the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Serie A title win marks Napoli's second championship in three years and Conte's historic achievement as the first coach to win Serie A with three different clubs. Inter Milan finished second, one point behind Napoli, shifting their focus to the Champions League final. The celebrations in Naples were exuberant, with players and coaches reveling in the victory.

From Zeal News Studio(Terms and Conditions)
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