logo
Billy Gilmour reveals exact moment Napoli turned into Serie A believers as title within touching distance

Billy Gilmour reveals exact moment Napoli turned into Serie A believers as title within touching distance

Daily Record03-05-2025

Napoli lead the Serie A standings by three points with four games left to play
Billy Gilmour has outlined the turning point in Napoli' s season that turned them from believers into genuine challengers for the Scudetto.
With just four games remaining, Antonio Conte's side sit three points clear of Inter Milan at the top of Serie A as they look to win their second league title in three years, having only won previously two Scudetto's (in 1987 and 1990) in their entire 98-year long history.

Gilmour hasn't quite been able to hit the ground running in Naples like his Scotland teammate Scott McTominay, who has spearheaded Gli Azzuri's title charge with 12 strikes in 32 Serie A matches, including five goals in his last three matches.

The playmaker has made 22 outings in Serie A and struggled to hold down a midfield berth alongside McTominay, with the likes of Stanislav Lobotka and Frank Anguissa also providing added competition.
But Gilmour - who like McTominay is gunning to become the first Scot to win Serie A - reckons a 3-2 away victory against Atalanta on January 18 was the moment that Conte and his players truly believed that they could mount a serious challenge to reigning champions Inter.
Speaking to Serie A's official Youtube channel, he said: "You could say that the turning point came against Atalanta away.
"They went a goal up and we ended up coming back fighting (to win 3-2).
"I think that shows how good the spirit is in this team.
"We always fight until the end and so far this season we have done really well.

"We just keep going game-by-game and see how it goes."
The 23-year-old was brought to Napoli by Conte in a £12million deal from Brighton last summer, having briefly worked with the fiery Italian coach when he was coming through Chelsea's youth academy after making the move from Rangers.

And now that he gets to work with the vastly experienced boss - who has won nine Scudettos in total as a player and now as a coach - on a daily basis, Gilmour says Conte's ability to get everything out of his players has been crucial to their surprise title charge.
"I had Antonio Conte when I was younger but only trained with him a couple of times.
"But now working with him every day, he is always very intense and his standards are always high.
"He pushes you to the max and as players, that is good for us to give our best this season."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PSG president explains strict transfer rule Luis Enrique says they must follow
PSG president explains strict transfer rule Luis Enrique says they must follow

Daily Mirror

time5 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

PSG president explains strict transfer rule Luis Enrique says they must follow

Luis Enrique has changed the way that Paris Saint-Germain approach transfers, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi explaining how they now conduct business under the Spanish manager Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has explained the rule Luis Enrique has enforced since joining the club that helped them win the Champions League. PSG claimed their maiden title in the competition by destroying Inter Milan 5-0 on May 31 – and a great deal of the credit went to manager Enrique. The French giants had faltered in Europe's premier club competition in previous years, but triumphed with a team packed full of young guns. Their new look under Enrique was highlighted by Desire Doue – the 20-year-old attacker who scored twice in the final. ‌ He was signed from Rennes for €50million (£42m) in August 2024 to form a part of the young spine of Enrique's side. PSG also signed Joao Neves (19), William Pacho (22) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24) during the 2024/25 season, all of whom started the thrashing of Inter. ‌ Al-Khelaifi says that focus on youth will continue while Enrique remains the manager. "He is the best coach to develop young players,' he told Qatari broadcaster Al-Kass. 'He likes young players. For example, buying a 28 or 27-year-old player is impossible for him, forbidden, he absolutely does not want it. 'He likes all players who are 21 or 22 years old. Have you noticed the latest players we have recruited? The oldest is 23 or 24, no more. "Luis Enrique likes a fighting spirit, he likes a player who gives his all, who runs a lot on the pitch, who is generous in his effort. How do we work? [Sporting director] Luis Campos has to present the player to the coach. The coach has to study how he plays, his value, his price and other aspects. 'There has to be an agreement, an agreement between everyone, even if each has their role. For everything that concerns scouting, it is Luis Enrique who has to approve the player. He has to be convinced that the player fits into his future project. Then, we, the management, also give our approval.' HAVE YOUR SAY! Can PSG sustain their form next season? Comment below. ‌ Al-Khelaifi also used the interview to fire shots at former PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, only to end his debut season trophyless. PSG won the treble without him, with Enrique claiming the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Champions League to give his president ammunition. "It's easier to score goals in La Liga than in Ligue 1," Al-Khelaifi said. "Luis Enrique proudly represented Ligue 1 and defended it against Premier League fans who called it the Farmers' League. "We ended up beating Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League this season. Nobody thought we would win the title. We approached the Champions League step by step.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Luciano Spalletti to leave Italy head coach role after Moldova match
Luciano Spalletti to leave Italy head coach role after Moldova match

South Wales Guardian

time5 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Luciano Spalletti to leave Italy head coach role after Moldova match

The 66-year-old announced the news during his press conference ahead of Monday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova. Spalletti came under pressure after his country's campaign began with Friday evening's 3-0 defeat away to Norway. Italy vs. Moldova will be Luciano Spalletti's last game as Azzurri head coach.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro — Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 8, 2025 His imminent departure – after he takes charge of the Group I meeting with Moldova in Reggio Emilia – was later confirmed by the Italian Football Federation. 'I spoke with (federation president Gabriele) Gravina last night and he informed me that I will be relieved of my duties as national team coach,' Spalletti told a press conference, according to The Athletic. 'I am disappointed: given the relationship we have, I had no intention of stepping down. Especially when things are not going well, I would have preferred to stay and do my job. 'However, it is a dismissal and I have to accept it. Defeat in Oslo. #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro — Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 6, 2025 'I have always seen this role as a service to my country and I want to facilitate the future of the national team. I think it is right to seek the best solution.' Former Roma and Inter Milan coach Spalletti succeeded Euro 2020 winner Roberto Mancini as Azzurri boss in 2023 after guiding Napoli to the Serie A title. He has won only 11 of his 23 matches in charge of the national team and oversaw a last-16 exit to Switzerland at Euro 2024.

Donnarumma's agent has already ruled out one transfer as Man Utd talks emerge
Donnarumma's agent has already ruled out one transfer as Man Utd talks emerge

Daily Mirror

time7 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Donnarumma's agent has already ruled out one transfer as Man Utd talks emerge

Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a sensational summer switch to Manchester United and his agent has already offered his thoughts on a switch Gianluigi Donnarumma's agent has already dismissed one potential rival to Manchester United by ruling out a switch to Napoli. The Italian goalkeeper faces an uncertain future with European champions Paris Saint-Germain. He has just a year left on his deal with the French giants and despite PSG chiefs attempting to tie him down, an agreement has yet to be found. That has opened the door to United, rivals Manchester City and Real Madrid. ‌ Reports have also suggested that that Donnarumma has been discussing the prospect of a move to the Premier League with his Italian teammates. Meanwhile, Donnarumma's agent Enzo Raiola has already denied that talks have been held with Serie A champions Napoli, who were also credited with an interest. ‌ Speaking to Radio CRC via Calciomercato, he said: "It's pure fantasy. I've an excellent relationship with Director Giovanni Manna at [Napoli], but we've never discussed Gigio. "It's an obvious question; many would like him, but only a few can afford him. He feels good in Paris, we're at the European champion club, so we have no complaints. We are working on a renewal [with PSG]." He added: "His mother is a huge Napoli fan, and she gets anxious watching their games. Gigio is connected to that.' Another side who have been linked with Donnarumma is former club AC Milan. The 26-year-old originally left the club to complete a free transfer to PSG in 2021. And Raiola has claimed that he would be open to a return to the San Siro. He said: 'I have never ruled out interest from the top Italian clubs, but there has never been a negotiation, let's see. He is still young, I have to squeeze him for at least another 10 years. 'At the moment, however, it is very difficult to see Donnarumma in the Italian championship, I'm not just talking about numbers but also about the sporting project. In Italy, beyond Inter who reached the Champions League final, there are Milan and Juve who are struggling, they are in the process of reorganizing: these factors are fundamental. ‌ "A return to Milan? Why not? We took Pogba from Manchester United to Juventus and then back to Juventus. There are no impossible things. Milan, even if it is not at its best, is always a very respectable club, which Gigio will always thank. They pampered and raised him, so Gigio will always have an important affection and gratitude towards the Rossoneri.' Donnarumma has already spoken out on his own future and refused to commit his future to PSG. He said: 'New deal or leaving? We will see what happens… I don't know. It's time to enjoy this magic season now. I will go on holiday and then we will see.' Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store