Negri says the midfielder's remarkable success at Napoli is helping drive Scotland's long-awaited return to the World Cup.
Scotland arrived at the 2026 World Cup carrying huge momentum after ending a 28-year absence from the tournament, qualifying automatically after topping their group and producing one of the country's most memorable qualifying campaigns.
McTominay was at the heart of that journey, building on the form that saw him become one of the standout performers in Serie A and a key figure in Napoli's Scudetto-winning side for season 2024/25.
Speaking exclusively to Football Presse, former Rangers and Italy forward Negri said the transformation of Scottish players in Serie A is no coincidence.
"It seems like a surprise, but this is proof that, especially in certain positions, Scottish players can make the difference in Italian football," Negri explained.
"The Scottish player is very dynamic, especially the midfielder. If you look at (Lewis) Ferguson, McTominay and (Billy) Gilmour, they all have great stamina, great attitude and aggression."
According to Negri, the tactical environment in Italy has allowed players such as McTominay to elevate their games.
"In the Italian championship those characteristics, combined with the tactics and strategy that Italian coaches can give you, make a Scottish player very, very competitive for Italian teams."
No player embodies that better than McTominay.
The former Manchester United midfielder enjoyed a spectacular firsy campaign in Naples, helping Napoli capture the Serie A title and establishing himself as one of the league's dominant midfielders. His club form has carried directly into Scotland's national team setup, where he has become one of Steve Clarke's most influential players.
Negri was full of admiration.
"McTominay was the absolute protagonist in Napoli winning the Scudetto," he said.
"He has the characteristics of the modern midfielder. He can defend, he can attack, he can score goals in the penalty area. He is a special player."
The timing could hardly be better for Scotland. The Tartan Army entered the World Cup believing this squad could achieve something previous generations never managed — progressing beyond the group stage for the first time. Scotland began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, their first World Cup win since 1990, with confidence growing ahead of tougher tests against Morocco and Brazil.
Negri believes Scotland's growing influence in Italy reflects a broader improvement in the nation's player development.
"The Scottish player is starting to show very interesting characteristics," he said.
"I think that in the future Italian clubs will continue to look at Scotland, especially for certain roles."
While McTominay has become the headline act, Negri also praised Billy Gilmour, another Scot thriving at Napoli.
"I like Gilmour very, very much," Negri said.
"He has different characteristics. He is intelligent, organised and technically very good. Nowadays football is no longer about starters and reserves. Being part of Napoli's squad means being important. He contributed to the title as well."
For Negri, the success of McTominay, Gilmour and other Scots abroad is helping reshape perceptions of Scottish football across Europe.
And as Scotland chase history on the biggest stage, their talismanic midfielder carries more than just his own ambitions.
McTominay arrives at the World Cup as a Serie A champion, a national hero and the player many believe can finally help Scotland break through football's most stubborn barrier.
If Scotland are to extend their adventure in North America, Negri is convinced their Napoli-inspired midfield leader will be central to it.
"McTominay is a special player," he said. "Players like him make the difference."