Scott McTominay feels he is ‘nearly there’ with his first goals since heart surgery in Napoli’s 4-3 Champions League win over Bodo/Glimt and hints at his ‘amazing’ celebration.
The Scotland international was out for a month after requiring a procedure to correct a minor cardiac arrhythmia, and returned to the starting XI just last week.
He proved he’s getting back to full fitness by scoring his first two goals of the season in tonight’s chaotic 4-3 victory over Bodo/Glimt at the Stadio Maradona, along with Matteo Politano’s volley and a late Giovane strike.
McTominay and Napoli finding their feet
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli scores his team’s third goal under pressure from Fredrik Sjovold of FK Bodo/Glimt during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“It’s what it’s about, you’ve got to get your head down and work. That doesn’t mean it’s a massive change, we know we have to do better, but it’s a start with four goals,” McTominay told Sky Sport Italia.
“I have to get better, I have to do more of the fitness programme to get back to a top level and I feel like I’m nearly there. We need to keep pushing and I always will do throughout my career.
“I just want to help the team as much as I can and nights like this for our fans are special.”
Politano celebrated by putting the ball under his jersey, generally a tribute to a pregnant partner, and then McTominay did the same. Is there going to a little Scotsman running around Naples soon?
“It’s amazing!” he grinned.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli conceded so many goals yet again, letting three in with Bodo/Glimt, so why do they sometimes just switch off?
“It felt like it was a good game to watch, to be honest, there were lots of goals, we’ll look at it tomorrow and see where we can do better. We did everything necessary to bring home the result.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Kevin De Bruyne during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Kevin De Bruyne might not like a deeper playmaker role, but he’s certainly flourishing there, impressing today in a 4-3-3 formation.
“Unbelievable, what a player. We’re so happy to have him, he’s in great condition, he’s doing really well, but we have lots of great midfielders and like having Lobotka there too. We just need to find that gel to work all together and give our best,” concluded McTominay.