McTominay’s goal for Scotland ‘breathtakingly beautiful’ says ex-Napoli coach

Former Napoli and Atalanta coach Edoardo Reja feels Raffaele Palladino will have ‘no fear’ to make his debut as La Dea’s coach at the Stadio Maradona, but Scott McTominay will be among the key players after a ‘breathtakingly beautiful’ goal for Scotland.

Reja’s ex-clubs Napoli and Atalanta meet at the Stadio Maradona at 20:45 CET this evening.

The Partenopei will be looking for a reaction after losing 2-0 against Bologna before the break.

Reja: Palladino ‘will have no fear’

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 12: Head coach of Fiorentina Raffaele Palladino gestures during the Serie A match between Venezia and Fiorentina at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“I don’t know how Napoli are doing emotionally, but let’s not forget they are just two points from the top spot. Conte will feel better than two weeks ago,” Reja told Gazzetta.

“McTominay’s goal was breathtakingly beautiful. Palladino, with such experience as a footballer and an authoritative impact as a coach, will have no fear.”

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Michael Zetterer of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Conte had harsh words for his players after the defeat in Bologna two weeks ago.

“Conte tried to shake the team; he must have noticed something, so he wanted to leave his mark on the team in terms of personality. Palladino will bring great motivation to the footballers,” noted Reja.

Reja names key players in Napoli vs. Atalanta

epa09851831 Albania’s head coach Edoardo Reja reacts during the International friendly soccer match between Spain and Albania held at RCDE Stadium, in Cornella, Barcelona, Spain, 26 March 2022. EPA-EFE/Enric Fontcuberta

“Two Serie A titles in three years represent the existence of an enormous project from De Laurentiis, but the merits of Spalletti, Conte, Giuntoli and Manna should not be overlooked.”

When asked about the key players in this evening’s match, Reja showed no doubt: “Easy; Hojlund, McTominay, Lookman and De Ketelaere. There will be many great players at the Maradona.”

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