Bowie fails to make it for Verona in time
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay once again played the full 90 minutes for Napoli as they picked up a much-needed 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Serie A.
For the 15th match in succession, McTominay completed the whole match for Napoli amid their gruelling schedule. This was Gli Azzurri’s third match in six days and their ninth in January. Following recent defeats by Juventus and Chelsea, nothing but a win would do for manager Antonio Conte.
Wednesday’s 3-2 reversal by Chelsea at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona ended an unbeaten home run stretching back to December 2024 and it also eliminated them from the Champions League. It means Napoli’s principal focus is now defending their Serie A crown.
Scott McTominay attempts an overhead kick during Napoli's 2-1 win over Fiorentina.placeholder image
Scott McTominay attempts an overhead kick during Napoli's 2-1 win over Fiorentina. | Getty Images
Napoli started the game fourth in the standings, but this narrow win over relegation-threatened Fiorentina moved them above Roma - who play on Sunday - into third position.
McTominay started in central midfield and was up against a former Manchester United teammate in David de Gea, who was in goal for Fiorentina. And Napoli got off to a fine start after 11 minutes when Antonio Vergara opened the scoring.
Napoli doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half through Spanish midfielder Miguel Gutierrez but Fiorentina made it a nervous end to the hosts when Manor Solomon halved the arrears eight minutes later.
Napoli, however, held on and are now six points behind leaders Internazionale, who are due to face Cremonese on Sunday.
Read More
McTominay’s fellow Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour once again missed out as he recovers from groin surgery, but Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund led the line after scoring his first goal of 2026 against Chelsea.
However, it proved to be fruitless afternoon for the Dane and he was replaced in stoppage time by Romelu Lukaku.
Elsewhere, Scotland striker Kieron Bowie was not registered in time for Hellas Verona’s night-time match away at Cagliari. The 23-year-old made the £7 million switch from Hibs on Friday evening.