Scott McTominay stars in Napoli rout but Scotland ace has shock moment as Man Utd misfit strengthens exit case

Scotland midfielder McTominay opened the scoring just three minutes into the encounter at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, the 29-year-old was denied a brace when he missed a penalty on 83 minutes.

That was to prove largely inconsequential, though, as Napoli dominated their relegation-threatened opponents from start to finish.

Antonio Conte’s men went in at the break 3-0 up after McTominay’s effort from the edge of the penalty box - his ninth in Serie A this season - was followed up by an effort by Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund and former Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne’s goal. Brazilian forward Alisson Santos added a fourth on 52 minutes to threaten a major rout, but Cremonese held firm.

They needed to thank goalkeeper Emil Audero to keep the score at four after he guessed correctly to beat away McTominay’s effort from the penalty spot after a handball award.

It was good night for Danish striker Hojlund, who scored his first goal for the club since March 14 amid speculation as to whether Napoli will sign him on a permanent deal. He cut in from the right with a powerful run and unleashed a shot that was deflected home to double the advantage.

Napoli also introduced McTominay’s fellow Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour, who had not featured in the past three matches. The former Rangers academy graduate appeared on 54 minutes.

Gilmour grabbed the limelight earlier in the week when he was presented with a life-size statue of Napoli legend Diego Maradona in his garden.

Napoli remain second in the Serie A, but only a remarkable collapse by leaders Internazionale will stop them regaining the Serie A title. They are nine points clear and with five games left to play, starting at home to Torino - who have Scotland striker Che Adams in their ranks - on Saturday.

This result in Naples, however, does mean that Inter cannot win the Scudetto this weekend.

The win for Napoli also gives Hellas Verona - who have another Scotland hitman in Kieron Bowie in their squad - some hope of staying up. Cremonese are in the place above the relegation zone and simply have to win against fellow strugglers Lecce if they are to stay up. Verona are currently ten points from safety.

Napoli now have the weekend off before they travel to Como next Saturday evening,

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