The remarkable Italian transformation of Scott McTominay continues to capture headlines, as the former Manchester United midfielder celebrated Napoli's latest trophy victory by lighting a cigar in the dressing room.
From Manchester Utility to Naples Icon
McTominay's journey from a versatile squad player at Old Trafford to a trophy-winning figurehead in Naples reached another milestone on Monday night. His Napoli side, affectionately known as the Azzurri, secured the Supercoppa Italiana with a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the final held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The two decisive goals came from David Neres, but the contributions of McTominay and fellow United loanee Rasmus Hojlund were crucial in securing the win under manager Antonio Conte. This represents the second piece of silverware McTominay has won since swapping Manchester for Naples, ensuring the Scot's mural-adorned status in the passionate port city remains secure.
A Landmark Victory for the Club
This Supercoppa triumph is particularly significant for Napoli. It marks the first time the club has won two trophies in a single calendar year since the era of the legendary Diego Maradona. Their previous title under McTominay came in the 2024-25 season, when they clinched a famous Scudetto by a single point over Inter Milan.
Monday's victory was Napoli's first Supercoppa since the 2014-15 campaign and only their second after 1990-91. Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis captured the mood, stating: 'We have enjoyed ourselves tonight. Since the time of Maradona we have not won two trophies in the same calendar year, so that is important already. I tell the fans to dream... to always dream.'
Format Change and Future Hosting
The Supercoppa Italiana, previously contested only by the Serie A and Coppa Italia champions, was expanded in 2023. The new format includes the runners-up from both competitions, which this year were Inter and AC Milan – both defeated by Napoli in the semi-finals.
This four-team format is contracted to be held in Saudi Arabia until 2029, with Monday's final taking place in the capital, Riyadh. For McTominay, the celebration with teammates Luca Marianucci and Antonio Vergara, cigar in hand, symbolises a career reborn far from the Premier League, now firmly established as a key figure in Napoli's successful new era.
