Scotland international Billy Gilmour ended a 364-day wait for a club goal, scoring for Napoli in their 1-1 Serie A draw with Fiorentina. The midfielder's return to scoring form comes as a welcome boost for the national side, who sit third in their World Cup group with three points from three games.

Gilmour, 25, found the net in the 23rd minute at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, meeting a Matteo Politano corner with a crisp volley. It was his first goal since September 2025, a period that included missing Scotland's World Cup qualification run-in due to a knee injury last May. His inclusion in new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli's first squad was a major step, and this performance offers ideal preparation for matches against Slovenia, Switzerland, and North Macedonia.

Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri had named Gilmour in his starting line-up for the third game in a row, showing faith in the former Chelsea man. The team, however, continues to adjust without key midfielder Scott McTominay, who is recovering from heart surgery and is listed among Scotland's currently sidelined players. Napoli's stuttering start to the season sees them in ninth place with just three wins from their opening five matches.

Allegri was openly critical of his team's performance and specifically of striker Rasmus Hojlund. "He got a bit pig-headed at points," Allegri said. "He put in the effort. Then there were some situations where he struggled, and he became too stubborn with certain decisions, but he needs to remain calm and relaxed. He has already scored and can only improve."

The manager expressed broader frustration with the draw, despite his team having more of the ball. "We might be growing, but if we don’t leave the field angry today, then it means we’ve still got a very long way to go," he stated. "Having lots of possession isn’t enough and we ought to be creating and converting more scoring opportunities." Fiorentina's equaliser came in the 51st minute through a deflected Alex Jimenez shot, with former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea making several saves to preserve the point for the hosts.

For Scotland, Gilmour's re-emergence is a significant piece of positive news. The national team's recent form shows three wins and two losses from their last five outings, but they have suffered consecutive defeats to Brazil and Morocco. With a key away trip to Slovenia next on the fixtures schedule, Pocognoli will hope his returning midfielder can carry this club form onto the international stage. The full squad list for the upcoming Nations League window will be announced shortly, with fans keen to see if Gilmour's name is included.

Read the full report at scotsman.com