For Billy Gilmour, the draw in Florence carried more than one meaning. His goal did not settle the match for Napoli, and the Scottish midfielder left with the frustration of points missed, but it marked another step away from the injury-hit season that had kept him from finding continuity.
The coach and the club
Gilmour has earned the confidence of Massimiliano Allegri and has become a regular presence alongside Stanislav Lobotka in Napoli’s midfield. Their partnership has been one of the encouraging elements of the early part of Allegri’s work, giving the side two players capable of helping Napoli build play and, in Gilmour’s case, now adding an occasional decisive touch in the final third.
At the Franchi, Gilmour scored Napoli’s opening goal from a move prepared by assistant coach Marco Landucci. It was only his second goal in a Napoli shirt, so his celebration reflected the weight of the occasion: a long run, a broad smile and a dedication to Landucci after the match.
The game did not finish as Napoli had hoped. After the home side found an equaliser, Napoli still created opportunities to restore their advantage. Gilmour felt the team had left Florence with regret.
“We wanted the win and we had the chance to take it,” he said after Sunday’s match. “Even after they levelled, we had opportunities to score again, so there is some disappointment.”
- Napoli took the lead in Florence through Gilmour.
- The opposition drew level.
- Napoli continued to create chances but could not find a winning goal.
Gilmour later returned to the result on social media with images from the match and a message looking beyond the international break: “We will keep building after the break.” It was a fitting summary of his own season as well. Having endured several fitness setbacks last term, he has regained his place close to the pitch and inside the contest.
Within the Napoli squad, Gilmour is valued for his seriousness and professional approach. The difficult period appears to be behind him, and he is no longer merely considered cover for Lobotka. Whether paired with the Slovak or asked to operate without him, the midfielder is becoming a meaningful resource as Napoli seek to recover momentum and avoid losing further ground in the championship.
