Billy Gilmour scored his first Serie A goal in almost a year, but SSC Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw by ACF Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The result was the first draw for either side in Serie A this season. It leaves Massimiliano Allegri’s team ninth in the table, with two wins from five matches, while Fiorentina remain 16th after failing to win any of their opening three home league games.
Fiorentina made the stronger start after winning their first two competitive matches since Paolo Vanoli returned to the dugout. They twice struck the woodwork during an energetic opening 20 minutes.
Arthur Atta was first denied by the frame of the goal when his attempt to close down Rafa Marin’s clearance sent the ball crashing against the post. Nicolo Fagioli then saw his effort from distance tipped on to the crossbar.
Napoli responded to those early warnings by going close themselves. A deflected header from Mathias Olivera hit the post, and David de Gea produced an excellent reaction save to keep out the follow-up.
The Fiorentina goalkeeper could not prevent Napoli from taking the lead moments later, however. A rehearsed corner routine created space for Gilmour to make a late run into the penalty area, where he met Matteo Politano’s outswinging delivery with a controlled volley beyond De Gea.
The goal gave Napoli a half-time lead for the first time this season, but their advantage lasted only six minutes after the restart.
Alex Jimenez’s powerful shot from outside the box took a sharp deflection off Marin and flew beyond the reach of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic at the near post.
Fiorentina pressed for a second as the home support raised the volume. Victor Valdepenas came close to completing the turnaround, but Milinkovic-Savic reacted well to save his fierce effort.
Napoli pushed for a winner late on, yet it was De Gea who again stood between the visitors and victory. He made two important stops, denying David Neres and Costantino Favasuli as Allegri’s side searched for a decisive goal.
The draw means Fiorentina have now conceded 12 goals in their three home league matches, a joint-second-worst total in the division.
Flashscore Man of the Match: David de Gea (ACF Fiorentina)