McTominay impresses Italian media with first Napoli brace: ‘Lord of midfield’ | OneFootball

Scott McTominay returned to the scoresheet after more than two months—at a crucial moment for Napoli, who needed a win over Empoli to avoid losing ground to leaders Inter in a fiercely contested Scudetto race.

The former Manchester United midfielder had gone six Serie A games without a goal but reminded everyone of his value to Antonio Conte’s side by netting his first brace for the Partenopei and setting up Romelu Lukaku’s second of the night.

From drought to dominance: McTominay wows Italy with first Napoli brace

His commanding performance was reflected in glowing reviews from Italy’s top sports newspapers, with the Scotland international proving too much for Empoli to handle.

The highlight came when the 28-year-old surged forward on a solo run and unleashed a fierce low drive that gave Devis Vasquez no chance to put the Partenopei ahead.

All major national papers gave him an 8/10, with La Gazzetta dello Sport dubbing McTominay the ‘Lord of the midfield’ and even suggesting Napoli should consider cloning him.

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli celebrates after scoring his side second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Empoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 14, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“He dances and breaks through, spreads the play and shoots. He’s the Lord of the midfield, still dominant: his first Serie A brace and he also hit the post. Needs to be cloned,” the comment from La Rosea reads.

Tuttosport echoed the praise, calling his outing ‘almost perfect’ and noting that only the post denied him a hat-trick.

Corriere dello Sport also highlighted McTominay’s stellar showing, pointing out that he has already surpassed his best-ever tally in a single league campaign, with eight Serie A goals—one more than he managed last season at Manchester United.