Italian Football

[theonlywayisup]

Lots of Scottish interest this season.

Liam Henderson doing well at Empoli in Seria A. Started with draws against Monza and Bologna and a win away to Roma and Liam has played every minute of all three games.

Josh Doig now playing in Seria B with Sassuolo. Also played every minute in two draws and a win.

Lewis Ferguson still injured and yet to play for Bologna, who have started with two draws and a defeat.

Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour just joined Napoli and yet to feature.

Che Adams played in first three games for Torino, one as a substitute. Two wins and one draw so far. Scored winner in a 2-1 win home to Europa League Champions Atalanta.

[Paul1642]

I was convinced Doig had signed for Roma or Lazio. Not sure if I imagined that entirely or if the the deal was just never finalised.

[Trinity Hibee]

I was convinced Doig had signed for Roma or Lazio. Not sure if I imagined that entirely or if the the deal was just never finalised.

Same here. Can’t believe he is playing in Serie B. A move to Marseille (?) fell through too I think

[Scorrie]

Serie A is always good to watch - most of the time. Will be interesting to see how the Scottish players do. Really looking forward to the Napoli games

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Che Adams at Torino as well.

[theonlywayisup]

Che Adams at Torino as well.

Now updated, thanks!

[Smartie]

Serie A is always good to watch - most of the time. Will be interesting to see how the Scottish players do. Really looking forward to the Napoli games

The Napoli game was absolutely first class viewing tonight.

An action packed, eventful last half hour, as good fun to watch as I’ve seen in yonks with a red card, outfield player in goal, big VAR penalty shouts and a comeback in injury time.

I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Napoli this season.

Hope the Scots do very well there.

[Haymaker]

Didn't realize Che Adams went to Italy as well!

McTominay and Gilmour will do very well over there I think.

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[BILLYHIBS]

Lukaku has joined Conte at Napoli as well scoring on his debut

Must mean business this season

[babahibs]

Liam Henderson surely gets into the Scotland squad if he's starting every week in Serie A

[Trinity Hibee]

Liam Henderson surely gets into the Scotland squad if he's starting every week in Serie A

Havent seen him play for a while but I doubt it. We’ve got players playing for top clubs nowadays in midfield at a much higher level.

[Allant1981]

Havent seen him play for a while but I doubt it. We’ve got players playing for top clubs nowadays in midfield at a much higher level.

But bring in guys like ryan gauld, Kenny McLean, lewis morgan,surely serie A is a higher standard than that

[theonlywayisup]

Lewis Ferguson poised to commit his future to the club until summer 2029, and will receive a significant salary increase in the process.

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/24594492.lewis-ferguson-expected-sign-bologna-contract-extension-week/

[cabbageandribs1875]

Lewis Ferguson poised to commit his future to the club until summer 2029, and will receive a significant salary increase in the process.

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/24594492.lewis-ferguson-expected-sign-bologna-contract-extension-week/

so good they've even made him captain

[theonlywayisup]

Liam Henderson played the full match tonight for Empoli, who won 2-0 tonight and up to fourth in Seria A.

He's played almost every minute of their unbeaten league campaign so far.

[theonlywayisup]

Che Adams scored what turned out to be the winner last night for Torino away to Verona. Torino top of Seria A, but now played one game more than the teams below them.

Napoli away to Juventus this evening. Will be interesting to see if Gilmour and/or McTominay start.

[DH1875]

Think it's Milan derby this weekend.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Think it's Milan derby this weekend.

Tomorrow night on TNT 1945.

[7Hero]

Forza Napoli sempre !

Big game today.

Can't see past Inter for the serie A though, a very good team, Milan struggling and Juve MEH !! Hopefully Napoli can stay near the top.

[theonlywayisup]

Forza Napoli sempre !

Big game today.

Can't see past Inter for the serie A though, a very good team, Milan struggling and Juve MEH !! Hopefully Napoli can stay near the top.

McTominay starts. Goalless after 30 minutes.

[theonlywayisup]

Good article about Che Adams.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c0r857n877xo

Also mentions all the other Scottish players, copied below.

Adams, signed by Sheffield United from Ilkeston soon after that cup triumph, is part of the growing Scottish contingent in Italy, with Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour joining Napoli this summer.

Former Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson - who captained Empoli in their 2-1 Coppa Italia win at Torino on Tuesday, in which Adams scored - has played in the country for six years, while Lewis Ferguson is at Bologna and Josh Doig plays for Sassuolo, via Verona.

[theonlywayisup]

Good goal from Scott McTominay in 25 seconds .

https://www.msn.com/pl-pl/wiadomosci/other/napoli-como-3-1-highlights-mctominay-scores-inside-a-minute-serie-a-2024-25/vi-AA1rIINz

[Lago]

Good goal from Scott McTominay in 25 seconds .

https://www.msn.com/pl-pl/wiadomosci/other/napoli-como-3-1-highlights-mctominay-scores-inside-a-minute-serie-a-2024-25/vi-AA1rIINz
Top of the league

[theonlywayisup]

Good article regarding about Napoli. Very interesting some of the quotes, especially related to what we're seeing from our current Hibs team.

The manager's plan revolves around addressing three key areas. The first is the mentality, the 'Juventisation of Napoli' if you will.

"What I can promise is seriousness, a word that is often underestimated," he said. "Seriousness in giving everything for Napoli, in transmitting my culture at work, my mentality.” Conte is renowned for strengthening the mindset of a dressing room and it starts with instilling a serious atmosphere that demands professionalism, intensity and passion at all times. Napoli must return to working as a collective, a unit that fights for one another, covers ground and remains determined until the very end. By battling together, bonds are forged, and success is celebrated as a team.

The second area that had to be addressed is the defence. A great defence can only be achieved when the team works as a unit, defending from the top. Balance is a key word because Napoli haven’t been thrilling going forward.

Balance brings us nicely to the final point Conte must address to ensure success: tactical adaptability. Having started the season playing a 3-4-2-1 formation, Conte confessed the arrival of the two Scotsmen altered his thinking. Boasting great midfielders, the tactician needed a system that would exploit the virtues of his new arrivals and especially that of McTominay. Without the ball, Napoli play a 4-3-3 but in possession, they morph into a 4-2-3-1 or even a 4-2-4 with the ex-Manchester United midfielder often lining up alongside Lukaku at the very top.

All very interesting to read! How Conte and McTominay have revolutionised Napoli - BBC Sport (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c2e772xvx37o)

On the subject of McTominay and Manchester United, there's a very interesting quote in the article. "I’d go to Manchester United to arrest all directors," said Paolo Di Canio to Il Mattino. How could a player so disciplined, determined and intelligent not be retained at all cost?

No further comment needed on the above!

[Scorrie]

Thanks for posting. I’ve been watching more of Napoli to see how McTominay and Gilmour have been doing. McTominay is ripping it up there. Gilmour hasn’t had quite so many minutes yet but when he’s playing, he’s been really good. He’s made for Italian football and in my opinion, is going to develop into a top, top footballer

[Phil MaGlass]

Gilmour had a great game against Lecce before being subbed. Both having blinders.

[Pagan Hibernia]

Napoli are away at Milan tonight, the first of two visits to the San Siro in the space of a couple of weeks.

Would love to see them win the league again.

[theonlywayisup]

Napoli are away at Milan tonight, the first of two visits to the San Siro in the space of a couple of weeks.

Would love to see them win the league again.

Napoli won 2-0. McTominay played the full match, Gilmour started and substituted in the 95th minute.

[theonlywayisup]

I see Ferguson was an unused substitute for Bologna tonight. Great to see him back.

[theonlywayisup]

McTominay scores again in a one nil win away to Torino to keep Napoli top.

[Centre Hawf]

Noticed Josh Doig has missed the last 4 games for Sassuolo despite usually starting weekly for them before. I assume he's injured and not dropped. Sassuolo seem to be on track for going back up this season so hopefully this year and next can be a real turning point for him after quite a hectic start to life in Italy.

[theonlywayisup]

Che Adams scored the only goal tonight, as Torino beat Empoli one nil.

[andrew70]

Che Adams scored the only goal tonight, as Torino beat Empoli one nil.

Some finish it was too, from distance.

[theonlywayisup]

I see McTominay scored again for Napoli as they beat Atalanta 3-2 away from home. Great result for Napoli, who are currently six points ahead of Inter Milan who have two games in hand. Atalanta have fallen away in recent weeks, but are still third seven points behind Napoli. Looks like it will be either Napoli or Inter Milan as champions this season. If Napoli wins it this year then Conte has won titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli.

Good to see Lewis Ferguson back playing well for Bologna, who are currently 6th in the league. Che Adam is playing right now for Torino.

[Dmas]

I see McTominay scored again for Napoli as they beat Atalanta 3-2 away from home. Great result for Napoli, who are currently six points ahead of Inter Milan who have two games in hand. Atalanta have fallen away in recent weeks, but are still third seven points behind Napoli. Looks like it will be either Napoli or Inter Milan as champions this season. If Napoli wins it this year then Conte has won titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli.

Good to see Lewis Ferguson back playing well for Bologna, who are currently 6th in the league. Che Adam is playing right now for Torino.

Napoli lost a big player to psg this week not going to attempt the spelling Georgian winger, rumoured to be replacing him with garnacho

[theonlywayisup]

Napoli lost a big player to psg this week not going to attempt the spelling Georgian winger, rumoured to be replacing him with garnacho

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, yes great player who will be missed.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I see McTominay scored again for Napoli as they beat Atalanta 3-2 away from home. Great result for Napoli, who are currently six points ahead of Inter Milan who have two games in hand. Atalanta have fallen away in recent weeks, but are still third seven points behind Napoli. Looks like it will be either Napoli or Inter Milan as champions this season. If Napoli wins it this year then Conte has won titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli.

Good to see Lewis Ferguson back playing well for Bologna, who are currently 6th in the league. Che Adam is playing right now for Torino.

I had quite a big bet on over 2.5 goals in the game, you can almost always rely on Atalanta games to be full of goals, they are a joy to watch.

[theonlywayisup]

Scott McTominay latest goal

Football on TNT Sports on X: "SCOTT MCTOMINAY MAKES IT 2-1 TO NAPOLI 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Scotsman completes the turnaround before the end of the half! 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK https://t.co/esnr6daL63" / X (https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1880713957964456061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1880713957964456061%7Ctwgr% 5E332b351636f89f53389c8c411376e0f1e325d509%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givemesport.com%2Fscott-mctominay-compared-brazil-legend-atalanta-napoli-serie-a%2F&mx=2)

[Since452]

Sad to see my Italian team Sampdoria languishing in Serie B. Had a soft spot for them ever since Lombardo played for them in the Football Italia Channel 4 days. Simpler time.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Sad to see my Italian team Sampdoria languishing in Serie B. Had a soft spot for them ever since Lombardo played for them in the Football Italia Channel 4 days. Simpler time.

I always liked Sampdoria as well and I think it was just because I thought their name was cool.

[worcesterhibby]

I always liked Sampdoria as well and I think it was just because I thought their name was cool.

they had quite a team in 1984 when Souness arrived.. Trevor Francis, Roberto Mancini, Gianlucca Vialli..think they won the cup in that team but not the league

[JohnM1875]

Sad to see my Italian team Sampdoria languishing in Serie B. Had a soft spot for them ever since Lombardo played for them in the Football Italia Channel 4 days. Simpler time.

Read up about the troubles Quagliarella, modern day Sampdoria hero, had a wee while ago with a stalker. Crazy stuff!

[The_Exile]

Read up about the troubles Quagliarella, modern day Sampdoria hero, had a wee while ago with a stalker. Crazy stuff!

I remember reading about this not that long ago, and sitting thinking "there's no way this is real, it cannae be" at multiple points in the story. It would make an amazing documentary.

[Baader]

they had quite a team in 1984 when Souness arrived.. Trevor Francis, Roberto Mancini, Gianlucca Vialli..think they won the cup in that team but not the league

One Scudetto in 1990-1991. Their only one. With Maldini and Vialli as the iconic front two. Lombardo too.

Ivano Bonetti, who went on to manage Dundee, was there then. As was Mikhailichenko who went on to the Huns.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I remember reading about this not that long ago, and sitting thinking "there's no way this is real, it cannae be" at multiple points in the story. It would make an amazing documentary.

There is one. https://m.imdb.com/title/tt15782392/

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I had quite a big bet on over 2.5 goals in the game, you can almost always rely on Atalanta games to be full of goals, they are a joy to watch.

Currently 3-0 up tonight.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Currently 3-0 up tonight.

5-0 ft.

[Musselbound]

2 for Adams in 2-0 Torino win.

[Allant1981]

One Scudetto in 1990-1991. Their only one. With Maldini and Vialli as the iconic front two. Lombardo too.

Ivano Bonetti, who went on to manage Dundee, was there then. As was Mikhailichenko who went on to the Huns.

Mancini was the other forward was he not

[Jpdhfc]

I remember reading about this not that long ago, and sitting thinking "there's no way this is real, it cannae be" at multiple points in the story. It would make an amazing documentary.

already has called The unknown truth

[Baader]

Mancini was the other forward was he not

Yes of course. That's who I meant!!

[Pagan Hibernia]

I had quite a big bet on over 2.5 goals in the game, you can almost always rely on Atalanta games to be full of goals, they are a joy to watch.

They've gone off the boil a bit in the league, which is disappointing. I'd love them to win it

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

They've gone off the boil a bit in the league, which is disappointing. I'd love them to win it

I'm an Inter man (since the Matthaus days) so, I'd prefer them to win it.

[ErinGoBraghHFC]

I'm an Inter man (since the Matthaus days) so, I'd prefer them to win it.

I really want to like Livorno but I can’t get past their strip…


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[theonlywayisup]

McTominay on fire for Napoli in last night's 3-0 win against Empoli. First goal is a cracker, albeit some would highlight the poor defending. Billy Gilmour also played for 82 minutes and was involved in the second goal.

NAPOLI-EMPOLI 3-0 | HIGHLIGHTS | McTominay Scores Twice As Napoli Dominates | Serie A 2024/25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha5f9N2jpfo)

[theonlywayisup]

I read that Josh Doig team has been promoted to Serie A. He's played 29 times with Sassuolo, most of which have been in the starting line-up.

[Phil MaGlass]

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/25105685.lesser-known-serie-rule-determine-title-winner/
That wid be a cracker of a game.

[Frazerbob]

https://www.thenational.scot/sport/25105685.lesser-known-serie-rule-determine-title-winner/
That wid be a cracker of a game.

We were over in Naples for their recent game against Milan. Unbelievable atmosphere. Already planning to go over should it go to a play-off. Naples will be bonkers!

[JeMeSouviens]

We were over in Naples for their recent game against Milan. Unbelievable atmosphere. Already planning to go over should it go to a play-off. Naples will be bonkers!

I think the team ahead on goal difference gets home advantage? But yeah, Naples will be bonkers. :greengrin

[Frazerbob]

I think the team ahead on goal difference gets home advantage? But yeah, Naples will be bonkers. :greengrin

yeh, the game will be at the San Siro......but the party will be in Naples haha

[renato]

McTominay with yet another goal. Having the season of his life

[lugz]

McTominay with yet another goal. Having the season of his life

And he was deemed as not needed at man united who are a mess.

[renato]

With one of the best midfield 3’s in the world, in McTominay, Lobotka and Anguissa. Gilmour not playing tonight but he’s been brilliant too.

[renato]

And he was deemed as not needed at man united who are a mess.

It’s criminal how we was played out of position and then let go. Every man and his dog knows just how much of a threat his late runs from midfield are, Frank Lampard-esque

[renato]

Jesus, McTominay again!

[JimBHibees]

Scotto :agree:

[theonlywayisup]

Five goals in his last three games.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RwrZevHjUbA#bottom-sheet

Che Adams also had a good chance to score but missed.

[Sweet Left Peg]

It’s criminal how we was played out of position and then let go. Every man and his dog knows just how much of a threat his late runs from midfield are, Frank Lampard-esque

Fergie would have built a side around McTominay

[Musselbound]

I'm beginning to wonder if Scotland should try playing McTominay as the main striker, either in one of the summer friendlies or even a competitive match. It's not as if we've got other great options there
He certainly needs to be played high up the pitch.

[worcesterhibby]

It’s criminal how we was played out of position and then let go. Every man and his dog knows just how much of a threat his late runs from midfield are, Frank Lampard-esque

Selling McTominay on the cheap, just shows everything that is wrong with Man Utd. It stopped being a football club a long time ago. It's just an empty vessel that greedy men have been making money from. Wonderful to see Scott given the freedom to play his heart out and lead a great side to an historic season.

[worcesterhibby]

I'm beginning to wonder if Scotland should try playing McTominay as the main striker, either in one of the summer friendlies or even a competitive match. It's not as if we've got other great options there
He certainly needs to be played high up the pitch.

It's not rocket science..McTominay central attacking midfield, mcginn on his right, Christie on his left and Billy Gilmour holding behind. Proper midfield