'Thank you Scotland' - McTominay's name ringing out in streets of Naples

The Neapolitans say football is more than just a sport. It's a way of life, woven into the fabric of their culture.

They also say that unless you've experienced Naples after a title win, you'll never truly understand what it means. They're right.

When the final whistle blew at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to confirm Napoli's fourth Scudetto after they defeated Cagliari 2-0, the city erupted into an explosion of noise and colour that is difficult to put into words.

The fireworks, the flares, the relentless blare of scooter horns, the screams of pure ecstasy, it was an assault on the senses that no one lucky enough to witness it will ever forget.

Amid the blue smoke and chaos, another unforgettable sight emerged - saltires waving proudly alongside flares.

"Thank you, Scotland. Thank you for McTominay," shouted a fan, sprinting toward the BBC Scotland camera in the heart of the Spanish Quarter.

After gushing about the midfielder's brilliance this season, she turned to rejoin the street celebrations—only to double back, shouting once more: "Thank you, Scotland!" before vanishing into the mist with her friends.

Another voice pierced the noise: "The best in Serie A! McTominay, McTominay, we love you!"

Since his arrival in Serie A last summer, Scott McTominay has been adored in Naples. But the part he played in clinching the title has elevated him to legend.

His bicycle-kick goal just before half-time was a moment of audacity and brilliance, but it was only the beginning. All night he bossed the midfield, barely putting a foot wrong.

When the final whistle sounded, he collapsed to the turf in tears, and was soon named Italy's MVP for the 2024-25 season. To anyone who's followed his journey, that accolade came as no surprise.

And throughout the campaign, his international team-mate Billy Gilmour was just as vital. The former Chelsea and Brighton midfielder has been the conductor of this Napoli side, quietly controlling games while McTominay soaked up the spotlight.

Together, they've not only given Naples a night it will never forget, they've given a proud footballing nation back home something to celebrate. They've etched their names into history as the first Scots to win the Scudetto in more than 120 years.

For now though, they are adopted sons of Naples. And for a city that partied deep and long into the night, that suits them just fine.