Scotland star nets crucial goal to set up history making weekend clash with Scott McTominay

Scotland striker Che Adams edged closer to breaking a 64-year goalscoring record as he bagged his first Serie A goal in over a month with the crucial opener in a 2-0 win over Udinese on Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old forward stabbed home just before half-time, reacting quickest to Karol Linetty’s cross being spilled by Il Bianconeri goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, to put his side into the lead at Stadio Olimpico Grande, before French defender Ali Dembélé added a second in the closing stages.

Joining the Serie A outfit on a free transfer from Southampton last summer, Adams’ strike now takes him to 10 goals for Torino this season - nine of them in Serie A - putting him within one goal of legendary Scotland forward Denis Law, who holds the record for most goals scored by a Scot in the top flight of Italian football.

Adams’ goal ended a run of three league games without a win for Torino, who now leapfrog Udinese in the Serie A table into 10th ahead of Sunday’s visit to Napoli, where the Scotland striker will face off against international teammates Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Scott McTominay heads home the winner for Napoli against Monza last week. | AFP via Getty Images

However, three points won’t be the only thing on offer for Adams and McTominay, with both players now on 10 goals for the season, and capable of breaking Law’s long-held record. The iconic Scottish footballer, who sadly passed away earlier this year, scored 10 goals for Torino during the 1961-62 season.

Earlier this year, Adams confirmed he was fully aware of Law’s contribution at the Italian club all those years ago, with Torino supporters telling him all about upon his arrival in country. “Surpassing his goal record would be extraordinary,” admitted Adams.

The last Scotland player to go close to smashing the record is Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, who scored seven goals at the Stadio Renato dell’Ara last season. He is currently injured and likely to miss tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg as the Rossoblù look to reach their first major final since 1974 against Empoli, who are likely to field fellow Scot Liam Henderson in their starting line up.

Bologna already have one foot in the Italian Cup final after strolling to a 3-0 win at Empoli at the Carlo Castellani Stadium in the first leg of the tie on April 1, handing fans hope of a first major trophy win for over 50 years. AC Milan booked their place in the final with a 4-1 aggregate win over derby rivals Inter.