After a disappointing season last year, Napoli bounced back with a strong performance in the 2022-2023 season, winning Serie A with ease under coach Luciano Spalletti and players like Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen. However, the team struggled in the following season, finishing 10th and leaving fans feeling disappointed.
The team's rebuild began with the arrival of Antonio Conte as coach and a new player in midfielder Scott McTominay. Born in England but with Scottish heritage, McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United, where he had spent 23 years of his life. Napoli paid 30.5 million euros for his services, which was a significant investment.
McTominay's signing was almost derailed when Napoli were close to signing Marco Brescianini, but the player chose to join Atalanta on loan with an option to buy. McTominay's popularity grew with every game, earning him the nickname "McFratm" or "McBro" from the Neapolitan dialect.
He was recently named Serie A Player of the Month for April, with Napoli winning three games and drawing one in that period. McTominay scored five goals in those four games, cementing his status as a key player for the team.
McTominay's arrival in Naples was a significant moment, as he asked to visit the Diego Armando Maradona stadium on his presentation day. He was thrilled to walk on the same pitch as the legendary player and to play in a stadium that bears Maradona's name.
Napoli are having an exceptional season, leading the table with 78 points and two games to go. McTominay has been instrumental in their success, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in Serie A. He is the top-scoring midfielder in the league and is on track to break Marek Hamsik's record of 12 goals in a single season.
McTominay's impact goes beyond the pitch, as he has become an idol in Naples. A chapel in the city's historic centre features a statue of him, and a burger restaurant has been renamed McFratm in his honour. Fans have also created memes and birthday cakes with his image, and his love for Campanian tomatoes has won over the hearts of the city.
Napoli's next game will be a crucial one, as they aim to secure their fourth Scudetto title. McTominay will be looking to continue his impressive form and help his team achieve their goal.
