Amid the warmth of an unseasonably sunny Naples winter, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay reflect on their new chapter in Serie A under the watchful eye of Antonio Conte. The two Scots, now integral to Napoli’s title charge, endure the relentless demands of the Italian tactician but recognize the rewards of hard work.
Gilmour, 23, and McTominay, 27, have significantly impacted since their arrival, helping Napoli secure second place in the league, just two points behind Atalanta. Their dedication extends beyond the pitch, with both players taking Italian lessons to integrate further into their new environment.
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McTominay, who left Manchester United in the summer, has been particularly impressive, scoring four goals in 14 appearances. His performances have captured the hearts of Napoli fans and earned him accolades from Italian pundits, who marvel at Manchester United’s decision to let him go. Meanwhile, Gilmour’s steady contributions in 12 appearances underline his adaptability and technical quality.
Life under Conte has been transformative. The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager has built a structured, high-intensity training regime designed to bring out the best in his players. While Conte’s reputation as a demanding coach precedes him, McTominay emphasizes the balance between intensity and approachability. “When it comes to training and working, it’s business. But he’s not as ruthless as people think,” McTominay shared.
For Gilmour, Conte’s methods are both straightforward and effective. Having previously been in Chelsea’s youth setup during Conte’s tenure, Gilmour admits that this period marks the first time they’ve genuinely connected. “You put it onto the pitch, and if there’s a problem, he’ll tell you,” Gilmour said.
Napoli’s ambition to reclaim Serie A glory has reignited hope among fans. Last season’s 10th-place finish was a stark contrast to their 2023 Scudetto triumph, but this year, the team appears well-positioned to challenge for the title. While speculation grows about Napoli’s chances, McTominay remains grounded. “It’s not important at this moment. We’ll see where we are at the end of the season,” he stated.
The shadow of Diego Maradona looms large in Naples, a constant reminder of the city’s golden era in the 1980s. Both Gilmour and McTominay are keenly aware of Maradona’s enduring legacy. “Nobody can get near Maradona in terms of his legacy,” McTominay remarked, emphasizing the players’ respect for the late icon.
Their move to Naples represents a pivotal career moment for both players. Gilmour, who rebuilt his confidence at Brighton after a demanding loan spell at Norwich, views the move as a step forward. “You want to push yourself and see how far you can go,” Gilmour reflected.
McTominay’s decision to leave Manchester United, the club where he rose through the ranks, was difficult. Yet, he saw Napoli as the perfect opportunity to grow. “I saw the passionate fans, the coach, the players, and I saw an opportunity. I’ll never have regrets,” McTominay said.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Gilmour and McTominay remain focused on their goals. With Napoli’s title ambitions and the ever-demanding Antonio Conte pushing them to new heights, the duo continues to work tirelessly to make their mark in Italian football. It’s all about the grind—eat, sleep, train, repeat—in pursuit of glory.
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