The Scotland international got the message.
McTominay's late header secured a 1-0 win at last-placed Monza on Saturday to pull Napoli level with Serie A leader Inter Milan. It was his third goal in two games.
McTominay evaded his marker to redirect a cross from Giacomo Raspadori in the 72nd minute for his 10th goal across all competitions for Napoli this season.
Napoli's win places pressure on Inter ahead of the Nerazzurri's visit to in-form Bologna on Sunday.
Midfielder McTominay joined Napoli in August from Manchester United, where he had been since the age of five, and at 1.93 meters he has made a big impact in the Italian league with his aerial prowess.
McTominay also scored twice last Monday in a 3-0 win over Empoli.
Napoli are chasing their second Serie A title in three years after finishing 10th last season.
Earlier on Saturday, 13th-placed Como won at relegation-threatened Lecce 3-0 for their third straight victory — virtually assuring Cesc Fabregas' team of a second consecutive season in the top flight for the first time since the 1980s.
Argentina talent Nico Paz led the way again by setting up Como's opener for Assane Diao. Edoardo Goldaniga doubled the advantage with a header and Diao added another in stoppage time.
Lecce remain two points above the drop zone.
Roma later extended their 16-match unbeaten run as an early Eldor Shomurodov goal saw off Verona 1-0 and resumed their push for European qualification.
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