Lobotka: ‘Napoli can dream, McTominay and Gilmour different players’ | OneFootball

Stanislav Lobotka insists Napoli ‘can dream and it is all in our hands’ after catching Inter in the Scudetto race, while he explains what Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour bring to the team.

The title race is suddenly neck and neck, because Napoli won 1-0 away to Monza and Inter lost by the same scoreline in Bologna at the weekend, putting both teams in joint top spot on 71 points.

If they cannot be divided, then rather than calculate head-to-head record or goal difference, the Scudetto will be assigned via a play-off match, the first time this has happened since 1964.

“Being top of the table is important for me, for the team, but above all for Naples,” Lobotka told Radio Crc.

“We can dream again and know that it is all in our hands. It’s not easy to play against any opponent in Serie A at this stage of the season, as for example, we drew with Bologna.

“The crucial thing is that we stay concentrated only on our own matches and then we’ll see where we are at the end of the season.”

This could be another decisive weekend in the title race, because while Inter are up against Roma, Napoli will be hosting mid-table Torino.

“I cannot wait to play at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday. We know that Torino are a physically strong squad with great individual players,” continued Lobotka.

“Every match has its dangers, we saw how tough it was against Monza, as every point is precious at this stage.”

Lobotka welcomes McTominay and Gilmour to Napoli midfield

Napoli’s midfielder Scott McTominay (2-L) and his teammates celebrate the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs Como 1907 at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 04 October 2024. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE

Napoli were only able to break down rock bottom Monza thanks to a goal from McTominay, who has been an essential figure in their midfield since the transfer from Manchester United.

“McTominay is a really nice guy, on top of being a great player. It’s so easy for me to play with him and Frank Anguissa, because they are so talented. McTominay is good on the ball, runs so hard for the team, scores lots of goals.

“They all bring their own characteristics to the midfield and we also get along off the pitch, which is very important for a team.”

The midfield does shift at times when former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Gilmour steps in for Anguissa in the middle of the park.

“They are two very different players, as Frank is more attacking and we know each other well after three years, whereas Billy needs to follow the moves, understand when I am under pressure and come over to help me out.”

Of the midfielders, Lobotka is the one with the most seniority at Napoli and he is well aware of that leadership role.

“I do feel the responsibility, because I’ve been here for over five years now,” concluded Lobotka.