Scotland star nets early Serie A goal of season contender as Celtic target assists 'worldie' strike

The Torino striker was named on the bench for the league curtain raiser against AC Milan at the Olimpico Grande on Sunday. He was introduced in the 70th minute with his team trailing 2-0 after the hosts conceded two goals in the space of three minutes to Alphadjo Cissè (64) and Adrien Rabiot (67).

Adams was unable to rescue a point for his side but he did score a consolation goal in stoppage time with an astonishing first-time hooked volley on the turn from around 12 yards that nestled into the top corner of the net.

The 30-year-old connected brilliantly with a free-kick that was delivered into the box by Gvidas Gineitis, the Lithuanian midfielder who has been heavily linked with a move Celtic.

Former Scotland international Don Hutchinson, commentating for TNT Sports, said: “Can you go early on matchday one? That is goal of the season. That is incredible. Phenomenal finish. Worldie.”

It was a goal of the highest quality that is sure to have caught the eye of new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, who will name his maiden squad next month for the Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Switzerland.

Adams earned his 50th cap for Scotland at this summer's World Cup and has 13 international goals to his name. The goal was his 19th for Torino in 72 appearances since joining the club in July 2024.

Elsewhere in Serie A on Sunday, there was disappointment for Kieron Bowie and Josh Doig. The former Hibs duo were on the losing side as Sassuolo went down to a 2-1 defeat at Atalanta.

Doig played the full 90 minutes and provided the long throw from which Sassuolo got their goal - a 55th minute headed equaliser from Cas Odenthal after Giacomo Raspadori had put Atalanta ahead on six minutes. The home side restored their lead, however, on 65 minutes through Nikola Krstovic and held on to claim the three points.

Bowie was subbed in the 88th minute having covered more ground than any other player on the pitch. He had a chance to score in the first half but fired over the bar from a Doig cutback.

On Saturday, Scott McTominay played the full 90 minutes as Napoli began life under new head coach Massimiliano Allegriwith a 2-0 win at Genoa. Late goals from Kevin de Bruyne (82) and Antonio Vergara (87) secured three points in the opening match of the new Serie A season. McTominay's fellow Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour was an unused substitute.

Lennon Miller made a second half appearance for Udinese as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Como. Lewis Ferguson's Bologna begin their Serie A campaign at home to Lazio on Monday evening, kick-off 5.30pm UK time.