Romelu Lukaku lavished praise on Scott McTominay following the Scots’ dazzling start to life at Napoli. The 27-year-old midfielder netted his second for the Italian giants in a 3-1 win over Como on Friday night.
Reflecting on their past as Manchester United teammates, Lukaku expressed confidence in their synergy under Antonio Conte. Speaking to Sky Italia, the former Manchester United striker said: “He knows my game, we played together in Manchester for two years. I know his ability in front of goal is lethal, we expect many goals and assists from him. He is doing very well and must continue like this.”
McTominay opened the scoring when he fired the ball into the net off a post from inside the box after latching on to a pass from Lukaku. The Belgium international offered insight into his own adaptation to life in Naples.
“I arrived late, but I’m already integrated,” said Lukaku. “All thanks to my teammates, the technical staff and the fans. We have to continue like this, we’ve won again. Now we all go to the national team and then those of us who remain here will continue to work and prepare for the next games.”
McTominay, who’s part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal, has made an impressive start since his £30m move to the Serie A. After scoring on his debut for Napoli in their Coppa Italia victory against Palermo, Conte heaped praise on the Scotsman.
“Scott is a player who has goals in his blood; he’s very good at making runs into the box,” said the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Following his hot streak during Euro 2024 qualification and being the only Scot to score during a disappointing finals, McTominay found the net again in the Nations League with a fine header, giving Scotland an early lead in Lisbon before a second-half comeback resulted in a late defeat, courtesy of Ronaldo’s winner.
Conte hailed McTominay as someone whose DNA includes finding the back of the net: “He has excellent technical qualities, as well as an important physical stature. And he’s strong in the air. In his DNA, he has quite a few goals.”