The excitement in the Scottish camp was palpable when Serie A fixtures were released this summer. Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, both key players for Italian champions Napoli, are set to open the season against Josh Doig's newly promoted Sassuolo, marking a thrilling chapter in this Scottish takeover of Italian football.

Josh Doig, who was poised to make his international debut soon after, couldn’t help but smile at the thought of facing Gilmour, a childhood rival, and McTominay, a respected figure in the league after a stunning previous season that saw him not only become a player of the year but also earn a Ballon d'Or nomination.

"It's unbelievable," said the 23-year-old left back, who played a pivotal role in Sassuolo's promotion under the esteemed Fabio Grosso. "Scott is like a god now — he truly deserves it for being one of the nicest guys in football. I always keep an eye on fellow Scots in Italy; we have a shared bond."

This growing Scot contingent is nothing short of remarkable, with six members of the June international squad now gracing Serie A. Among them are Che Adams at Torino, Lewis Ferguson at Bologna, and 18-year-old Lennon Miller who joined Udinese from Motherwell.

Trailblazer Liam Henderson, the first Scot to venture into Italian football in decades, is making waves at second-tier Sampdoria. The midfielder made headlines in 2018 when he signed with Bari, rekindling an era abandoned since Graeme Souness’s departure in 1986.

Doig, now entering his fourth season in the Italian league after a move from Hibernian, is appreciative of the cultural and culinary richness that Italy offers. "Italy is stunning — the food, the places to explore, everything. The lifestyle is fantastic, but the league is no cakewalk. The work ethic is ingrained in both cultures, which adds to the intensity," he explained.

As Doig enjoys life in Italy's charming cities, the fiery atmosphere of Naples awaits McTominay and Gilmour, who felt the electric energy of passionate fans when they joined Napoli under Antonio Conte in the summer of 2024.

"When I first arrived, I could sense the passion of the fans, and I immediately saw my potential here," McTominay expressed. His explosive performance, culminating in 12 goals that led Napoli to the Scudetto, has etched his name alongside the greats, including the legendary Diego Maradona.

"The people in Naples are incredible — their passion on and off the pitch is inspiring. It's a whole different way of life that fortifies your mental strength, all thanks to the vibrant culture," he added.

Historically, Scottish players have left an imprint on Italian football with figures like Denis Law and Joe Jordan, who made their mark decades ago. However, a 32-year gap ensued before another Scot emerged with Henderson paving the way from Bari. Now, clubs like Bologna are tapping into the rich pool of Scottish talent.

"Scottish football is evolving, moving beyond Celtic and Rangers narratives. The recent influx of young talents like Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson is proving just that," noted Francesco Strozzi, a scout who recognized their potential.

During the pandemic, clubs shifted their scouting approach, discovering new talent in Scotland as lockdowns forced clubs to adapt through digital analysis. Hickey, joining Bologna for just £1.5 million, made a significant impression, leading to his transfer to Brentford for £17 million. Meanwhile, Ferguson has rocketed to stardom, guiding Bologna to their first Coppa Italia in over 50 years.

Doig sees this trend as beneficial for Scottish football, allowing players to gain valuable international experience. "Talking with my teammates about our adventures abroad is fascinating. It's refreshing that young players are now considering moves outside the UK, and I believe it provides unmatched life and football experiences," he remarked.

With not just Italians but players in leagues across Europe, the landscape of Scottish football is evolving. Doig encourages the next generation to seize opportunities abroad, emphasizing the enriching experiences football can offer beyond the UK.