Scott McTominay’s return gave Napoli’s meeting with Frosinone on 10 October a significance beyond the scoreboard. In the 61st minute, Max Allegri sent the Scotland midfielder on for David Neres, ending an absence that had lasted since the 2-1 defeat to Como on 30 August.
The Maradona recognised the moment immediately. McTominay, back after surgery to address a mild benign cardiac arrhythmia, was greeted by a loud chant of his surname as he prepared to enter the contest.
Quick facts
- McTominay returned against Frosinone on 10 October.
- He replaced David Neres in the 61st minute.
- His previous Napoli appearance had come in the 2-1 loss to Como on 30 August.
- The midfielder had undergone an operation for a mild benign heart arrhythmia.
- The Frosinone outing was his third Napoli appearance of the season.
Before the substitution, Allegri approached McTominay with two affectionate taps to the back of the head, a small gesture from the coach before a demanding return to match action. The midfielder appeared focused, though there was a visible trace of emotion as the stadium welcomed him back.
Once on the pitch, McTominay quickly relayed Allegri’s instructions to his team-mates. It was a brief involvement in the larger Napoli campaign, but an important one: a senior figure restored to the group after a period away, and received by the home crowd as a player expected to matter again.
