Football Italia
·9 March 2025
Zola enjoys McTominay at Napoli, but Inter Serie A title ‘favourites’

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·9 March 2025
Italy legend Gianfranco Zola has enjoyed Scott McTominay’s performances at Napoli this season but insists Inter are Serie A title favourites.
Napoli and Inter fight for the Serie A title, but the Partenopei will need a win against Fiorentina today to move one point below the Nerazzurri in the Serie A table.
Inter secured a 3-2 win over Monza on Saturday, and Zola sees Nerazzurri as Serie A title favourite.
“They are a strong team in every department, with important players,” the ex-Chelsea star told Gazzetta.
Simone Inzaghi’s men are also the only Serie A club still involved in the Champions League, but can they aim to lift the trophy?
“They are a very well-equipped team, with at least one high-level alternative in every department,” argued Zola.
“In theory, there are possibilities, but the competition will be tough in Italy and Europe. They can compete, but it won’t be easy.
“It’s a competition that requires great concentration and the best of yourself. It’s demanding, but at the same time, if you do well, it gives you great confidence and many certainties that make up for the energy you spend. I don’t see it as a problem if the team keeps advancing in the Champions League. On the contrary, I think it can be a real boost.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Scott McTominay of Napoli battles for possession with Thomas Kristensen of Udinese during the Serie A match between Napoli and Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
How about Napoli meeting Fiorentina today? Who’s the Partenopei player he’s enjoyed the most this season?
“Scott McTominay,” Zola replied.
“He’s one of those players you highlight with a red circle, as Rino Tommasi used to say.”
Zola also has clear ideas about his favourite Fiorentina player.
“Moise Kean. He did a fantastic job, and I honestly didn’t expect it. Credit to him and his coach for helping him mature in such an important way.”
Zola expects a “great match” between Napoli and Fiorentina today.
“These are two strong teams. Napoli are coming off a good result against Inter, where they also played quite well. Fiorentina are having a high-quality and impressive season. Palladino is proving himself to be an excellent coach, which makes me very happy.
“Antonio [Conte] is a coach who always manages to get the best out of his teams,” concluded Zola.
“And if he has a quality team like Napoli, these are the results. He has a group with an outstanding midfield and a great team spirit where everyone helps each other and suffers together when needed. That’s the mentality that takes you far.”