Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour’s aspirations for a consecutive Italian title may hinge on Napoli’s ability to overcome a resurgent Atalanta this Sunday, with live coverage available on the BBC.
Our second live Serie A match featuring Scottish players kicks off at 14:00 GMT, with coverage starting at 13:50 on BBC Alba, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.
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The defending champions, Napoli, are set to face Atalanta in Bergamo, currently trailing leaders Internazionale by 14 points and sitting four points behind AC Milan. They are hopeful that McTominay, who has missed the last two matches due to injury, will be fit to return.
After sustaining an injury in a goalless draw against Como in November, Gilmour made his first appearance as a substitute in the 78th minute during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against fourth-placed Roma.
Unfortunately for Napoli, McTominay was absent from that match and also missed a penalty shootout loss in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw with Como.
McTominay is vital to the team; Napoli has not won any of the three matches he has missed this season, suffering two losses in that stretch.
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The 29-year-old shared with Corriere dello Sport: “I’m still unsure if I can play on Sunday. I have a tendon issue that I’m managing, which is challenging.” He continued, “I’m doing everything I can to be available. It’s tough to arrive at the training center unable to join my teammates. I desperately want to be on the pitch, but I need to be certain about my condition.”
Having represented Scotland 67 times, McTominay has also addressed speculations regarding his future amid his impressive form since joining Napoli from Manchester United in 2024. He has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with his former club and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly interested.
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However, McTominay clarified, “My agent hasn’t discussed my future with anyone but the club and me. He hasn’t shared any information with the media.” He further expressed, “I’m really happy here, and Napoli is all I’m focused on. I can definitely see myself here for the long term. I love this place, and the challenges have been minimal. My family is content, and I’m happy.”
Napoli is also interested in extending McTominay’s contract, given his impressive record of 23 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances for the club.
A new mural commemorating Scott McTominay’s remarkable overhead kick against Denmark during World Cup qualifying has been painted on Somerville Drive outside Hampden Park, Glasgow [SNS]
McTominay has thrived in the more offensive role assigned to him by head coach Antonio Conte.
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He noted, “I have developed tactically and physically at Napoli. Tactically, the game in Italy differs from the Premier League. I had to quickly adjust and learn the necessary movements to become effective in the opponent’s area while also focusing on my defensive responsibilities. Antonio is a fantastic coach, very knowledgeable about football, and he possesses a different approach from anyone I’ve encountered before.”
McTominay also mentioned Napoli’s extensive injury list as a contributor to their recent struggles, but is still optimistic about the title race.
If he cannot play on Sunday, Gilmour, 24, may have the chance to make only his seventh start in 14 appearances this season, aiming to gain more playing time and add to his 43 caps ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
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With just three victories in their last 11 matches, including nine in Serie A, Napoli cannot afford any more setbacks if they wish to retain the Scudetto.
Inter’s recent 2-0 victory over Lecce has intensified the pressure on Napoli as they prepare for a challenging match against a team that finished third in the standings last season.
Atalanta, who lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League knockout round play-off first leg on Tuesday, also faced defeat in the reverse fixture against Napoli, falling 3-1 in November.
However, Atalanta has claimed three consecutive domestic victories, remaining unbeaten in eight Serie A matches since their loss to Inter at the end of December, and sit just eight points behind Napoli.