It’s a rare find to discover a city that embraces football quite like Naples. A stroll through the Quartieri Spagnoli quickly reveals the deep admiration Neapolitans have for Maradona. This neighbourhood showcases the most iconic murals of the legendary “10”, which draw in thousands of visitors daily, with interest growing since Diego’s passing. The Argentinian icon not only lends his name to the stadium but even has his hair displayed on an altar at Bar Nilo in Naples’ Campania region.
Thirty-three years after Maradona, adored in Naples akin to San Gennaro, helped the Azzurri secure their second Scudetto (the first being in 1987, followed by the UEFA Cup triumph in 1989), the city once again erupted in celebration.
This time, Napoli, led by Italian coach Luciano Spalletti, along with stars Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, claimed the Serie A title with impressive dominance during the 2022/2023 season. Yet, the subsequent disappointing campaign, finishing 10th, left fans in Fuorigrotta disheartened.
The revival began with Antonio Conte at the helm and an unexpected addition on the field: Scott McTominay. The Scottish player (born in Lancaster, England), departed Manchester United last summer after spending 23 years at the club.
Napoli secured McTominay’s services for €30.5 million (£25.6m), coinciding with the arrival of another Scottish player to bolster the midfield: Billy Gilmour from Brighton.
Initially, it seemed McTominay’s transfer may not proceed, as Napoli was close to signing Marco Brescianini for the midfield. However, in a surprising twist, the former Frosinone player ended up on loan at Atalanta with an option to buy.
Serie A’s April Player of the Month
Locally known as McFratm, which translates loosely in Neapolitan to McBro or McBrother, he has also garnered nicknames like McTerminator, MacGyver, and Apribottiglie (Bottle Opener), stemming from his knack for netting the Azzurri‘s opening goals.
His fan base continues to grow with every performance, and he was recently awarded Serie A Player of the Month for April. During this period, Napoli won three matches and drew one, with McTominay scoring five goals across those four games.
His arrival in Naples marked a significant turning point. On the day he was introduced, after passing medical assessments, he specifically requested a visit to the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.
McTominay was over the moon to set foot on the same pitch as the greatest player of all time and bring his talents to a venue that bears Maradona’s name. As he admired the statue of the “10” adorning the stadium corridors, he vowed to etch his name into the club’s history.
11 goals and four assists
Napoli is enjoying an outstanding season, holding the top position in the league with 78 points as they approach the final two fixtures, just one point ahead of Inter Milan in second place. Napoli has matches against Parma and Cagliari, while the Nerazzurri will face Lazio at San Siro and visit Como.
The key figure in Napoli’s pursuit of their fourth Scudetto is none other than Scott McTominay, who has netted 11 goals and provided four assists in Serie A (along with a goal in the Coppa Italia), making him the top-scoring midfielder in the league.
With this impressive tally, McFratm is the first midfielder during Aurelio De Laurentiis’ tenure to exceed ten goals in a single season since Marek Hamsik. The Slovak achieved 12 goals in the 2009-2010 season and 11 in 2012-2013, numbers the Scot could surpass in the remaining fixtures. Should Inter and Napoli end the season level on points, they may need to play a decider (spareggio) at the Giuseppe Meazza.
In the latest matchday, which concluded on a bittersweet note for Napoli after a 2-2 draw with Genoa, McTominay was once again in the spotlight. He played a crucial role in both goals, assisting Lukaku for the opener and Raspadori for the second.
“McTominaymania”
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, McTominay has cemented his status as a local legend in Naples. Within the church of San Nicola al Nilo, situated in the historical heart of Spaccanapoli, a chapel dedicated to him has emerged.
In the Secondigliano district, a burger joint called McFratm has gained immense popularity since McTominay’s signing with the club and has virtually gone viral.
Additionally, bakeries are crafting birthday cakes adorned with his likeness, while memes of his face, resembling a new pope, have flooded the city.
McTominay further charmed the locals when he shared his thoughts with The Athletic about Campania’s tomatoes, proclaiming, “Oh my God, the tomatoes. I’d never eaten them when I lived in the UK; they were just red water. Here, the tomatoes taste like real tomatoes. I now snack on them, enjoying all the fresh vegetables and fruit. Everything is so fresh, it’s fantastic,” winning over the entire city.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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