Midfielder completes 90 minutes for first time since October and posts strong stats
Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour made his first start for Napoli since late October and helped the Serie A champions win 2-1 at home to Torino.
Sidelined for months due to a groin issue, Gilmour only returned to full fitness late last month and has forced his way back into manager Antonio Conte’s plans on Friday night by being selected in midfield for the visit of Torino to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Gilmour’s last start for Napoli came on October 28 last year in a 2-1 win over Lecce. The former Rangers academy graduate played the full 90 minutes and had 90/98 pass accuracy - the most of any player on the pitch - and also had the highest rate of accurate passes in the final third of the pitch (88 per cent).
Billy Gilmour gets on the ball during Napoli's win over Torino.placeholder image
Billy Gilmour gets on the ball during Napoli's win over Torino. | AFP via Getty Images
Torino did score a late consolation through Cesare Casadei, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
More noteworthy from a Scottish perspective was that striker Che Adams laid on the goal for Casadei. Adams made his first appearance for Torino since picking up a minor injury in mid-February, coming off the bench on 57 minutes. His return will be a welcome boost for Scotland head coach Steve Clarke ahead of the national team’s friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast at the end of this month.
Read More
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund started up front for Napoli but was kept quiet by the Torino defence. Reports earlier on Friday claimed that the Old Trafford side are becoming increasing confident that the Italian side will activate their £38 million clause to make his move to Naples permanent.
Napoli’s win moved them five points clear of fourth-placed Roma, who face Genoa on Sunday. Napoli remain in third, 11 points behind leaders Internazionale. Torino stay in 14th spot and are six points clear of the relegation zone.