The Italian insists the success of players such as Scott McTominay has helped transform perceptions of Scottish football across Europe.
Speaking exclusively to Football Presse ahead of Scotland's crucial World Cup clash with Morocco, Negri reflected on the increasing number of Scots making their mark in Italy and how their development has strengthened Steve Clarke's side on the global stage.
Few players are better placed to judge the relationship between Scottish and Italian football. Negri remains a cult hero at Rangers after his extraordinary goalscoring exploits in Glasgow, while also enjoying a lengthy career in Serie A with clubs including Bologna, Perugia and Cagliari.
Now he sees a new generation of Scottish players flourishing in Italy.
"You said it perfectly," Negri told Football Presse. "It seems a surprise, but this demonstrates that, especially in certain positions, Scottish players can make the difference in Italian football."
The former striker believes midfielders in particular are ideally suited to Serie A's demands.
"The Scottish player is very dynamic, especially the midfielder," he explained. "You look at players like Scott McTominay and Lewis Ferguson. They have great energy, great attitude and aggression.
"In Italian football, when you combine those qualities with the tactical and strategic work that Italian coaches provide, you create a player who becomes very, very competitive."
No player embodies that trend more than McTominay. After helping Napoli win the Serie A title a season ago, the midfielder arrived at the World Cup as Scotland's biggest star and remains central to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.
Negri believes the former Manchester United midfielder has become one of the complete midfielders in European football.
"McTominay was the absolute protagonist of Napoli's Scudetto victory," he said.
"He has the characteristics of the modern midfielder. He can defend, he can attack, he can score goals. He is a special player."
McTominay's leadership has become even more important after Scotland lost Napoli team-mate Billy Gilmour before the tournament through a knee injury. Gilmour was ruled out following Scotland's warm-up victory over Curaçao, a significant blow to Clarke's midfield options.
Negri also reserved praise for Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson, another Scot who has enhanced his reputation in Italy despite battling back from a serious injury.
"He had reached an incredible level before the injury," Negri said. "There was interest from clubs like Napoli and Juventus because he was one of the strongest midfielders in Serie A.
"Now he is captain at Bologna and remains a very important player. He may not yet have reached those same peaks again, but he has time."
Scotland enter the Morocco match buoyed by a 1-0 victory over Haiti, their first World Cup win since 1990, and knowing another positive result could take them to the brink of a historic place in the last 16.
Negri believes the mentality developed by Scottish players competing in elite European leagues can only help.
"The Scottish player has become much more appreciated internationally," he said.
"I think clubs will continue to look at Scotland, especially for midfielders and attacking players. They bring intensity, personality and professionalism.
"When players compete every week in leagues like Serie A, they grow. They bring that experience back to the national team."
And as Scotland prepare to face a talented Morocco side regarded as one of the tournament's most dangerous outsiders, Negri believes that growing Italian influence within Clarke's squad could prove invaluable.
"Scotland have players who understand big matches and high-pressure situations," he said. "That experience matters enormously at a World Cup."
For Negri, the success of McTominay and Ferguson is not merely a Scottish story. It is evidence that the connection between Scotland and Serie A has never been stronger.