Scotland Flags Fly High With Argentina as Naples Gears Up for World Cup

It’s no secret that when this World Cup kicks off, most Neapolitans will be supporting Argentina. With Italy’s absence from the competition for a third straight edition, Naples will turn its affection to the country that in many ways mirrors the city.

If you have been to Naples and Buenos Aires you will know how similar they are. The links between Italy and Argentina go deep: it is estimated as many as 3.5 million Italians immigrated to Argentina in the second half of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th.

It is now believed that as many as 25-30 million Argentines have Italian ancestry, including arguably the most famous of them all: Diego Maradona.

Maradona’s Italian heritage can be traced back through his mother’s side, yet his greatest connection to Italy is of course the seven, history-making years he spent in Naples. Despite the historical roots between the countries, most Neapolitans would only likely support Argentina due to Maradona. Such was his importance to the city that he tried to turn the locals against Italy on the eve of the 1990 semi-final with the Azzurri, played in Naples.

His presence forever altered the relationship between Naples and Argentina, meaning the Albiceleste will always be the city’s second team in international tournaments. Yet that will be tested to an extent this summer. 

“We will absolutely support Argentina, for obvious reasons, but Scotland will also be supported by the city, as we want to get behind our players,” says Alex Tione, a Neapolitan. 

“So we will cheer on Scotland more than other countries, 100%, more than Belgium or the others.”

And with Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour having joined Napoli in the same summer and the former playing a critical role in the Scudetto triumph over Inter in 2025, the city’s affection for Scotland increased exponentially.

McTominay’s impact in Naples has been so seismic that murals have been created in his honour. Scottish flags can be seen right across the city, and Diego Maradona Jnr recently said that if his father “was God, then McTominay was Jesus.”

The former Manchester United midfielder has taken to life in Italy right from the off, from learning the language to the way of life, sharpening his fashion sense and finding a new love for tomatoes.

“Oh my goodness,” he told The Athletic last year. “The tomatoes. I never ate them at home, they’re just red water. Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It’s incredible.”

McTominay has been effusive about Italian food, but it’s been the whole experience that has won him over.  “It’s surreal to feel the love of the fans: the murals, the tattoos, pizzas in my name, nicknames, it’s crazy,” he told CBS Sports.

The nickname that has stuck is McFratm – a twist on the Italian word ‘fratello’ (brother) – around the city. Say McFratm to a Neapolitan and they’ll know exactly who you mean.

The 29-year-old has made headlines for his upgrade in fashion since arriving in Italy, turning heads after appearing at Wimbledon last summer in a magnificent suit.

“Whenever you come out of your comfort zone, it’s a scary place,” McTominay told British GQ. “But it’s also a beautiful place, because it gives you room to grow.

“I love the clothes here, man. The clothes, the way that people dress, and the fabrics that they use. I’ve enjoyed getting used to that sort of life of presenting yourself really, really well.”

McTominay’s instrumental role in securing Napoli’s fourth league title meant legendary status was cemented after just one year. The midfielder was on target in Scotland’s final warm-up game – a victory over Bolivia – and will play a vital role in North America, but Napoli team-mate Gilmour is missing after picking up a knee injury in a friendly against Curacao. 

Such is the adulation McTominay is afforded in Naples he doesn’t get to venture much into the city centre. This is the downside of being a superstar at Napoli, the love from the Partenopei faithful can sometimes be too much, too all-consuming. 

Yet with Italy absent from another World Cup, visitors to Naples will see two flags flying high this summer: Argentina and Scotland. 

All thanks to McTominay.