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McTominay scored just two minutes into the match to give Napoli a 1–0 victory over Cagliari and pile pressure in table-toppers Inter.
Scott McTominay. (x)
Scott McTominay scored just two minutes into the match to give Napoli a 1–0 victory over Cagliari on Friday, lifting his side to second place in Serie A.
Managed by Antonio Conte, Napoli moved within six points of league leaders Inter Milan, who are set to face Fiorentina on Sunday. Napoli now sit two points ahead of third-placed AC Milan, who host Torino on Saturday.
“Today we’ve applied some pressure on the teams above us,” Conte told DAZN. “We’ve added three more points in the race for Champions League qualification. Over the past seven months, we’ve been exceptional in maintaining our position near the top.”
McTominay, making his first start since February 7 after recovering from a tendon injury, capitalized on a fortunate moment. The ball slipped through the legs of goalkeeper Elia Caprile before the Scottish midfielder tapped it into an empty net.
Conte also welcomed back Kevin De Bruyne, who made his first start for Napoli since sustaining a leg injury against Inter on October 25.
“Having players return is important, but what matters most is that they are fully fit,” Conte added. “Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and McTominay are not yet at their best, though Kevin performed well.”
Cagliari had opportunities to equalize, with Sebastiano Esposito firing wide midway through the first half. Late in the match, Leonardo Spinazzola cleared a dangerous effort off the line to preserve Napoli’s lead.
Despite creating several chances, Napoli were unable to extend their advantage but held on for the win against the 15th-placed hosts.
In another fixture on Friday, Udinese climbed to 10th place with a 2–0 victory over Genoa, courtesy of second-half goals from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Keinan Davis.
March 21, 2026, 08:55 IST
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