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How the Italian press echoed Rasmus Hojlund’s ‘unforgettable’ Napoli display

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 1:27 PM ET

Rasmus Hojlund appears to be enjoying his time away from Manchester United this season, settling in well at Napoli and making a real impact in the Champions League.

While the Red Devils are without European football this season, Hojlund, currently on loan at Napoli, is representing the club in the Champions League.

The Denmark international scored for Napoli on his debut after joining them on loan from Man United. However, he has not had the best spell since then as he has struggled with creativity issues.

Still, on Wednesday night at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Hojlund scored twice and received plenty of praise from Italian media for his performance.

Rasmus Hojlund finds form with Napoli against Sporting CP

Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

Under Antonio Conte, the Dane appears to be flourishing, having now scored three goals in five matches for his new manager.

His best showing so far came on Wednesday against Sporting CP, where he looked every bit the dominant striker Viktor Gyokeres was known to be during his time in Portugal.

He scored two classic poacher’s goals and Italian media were quick to take notice.

Corriere Della Sera gave Hojlund an 8/10, noting: “The Maradona lights up with a double, the first sharp foot, the photocopy of Florence’s goal, the second head, when the victory seems to be about to vanish. An unforgettable night for him and his new fans.”

The forward was also described as a “sniper” by Gazzetta Dello Sport for his clinical finishing, with another 8/10 rating coming from Toni Lavarone.

“Beyond the double of a real striker, he puts an incalculable amount of balls in the safe, with which he allows his team to go up. In Manchester they will be eating their hands [words]. Again,” wrote Lavarone on his blog.

Il Mattino went further still by calling Hojlund the new “King” of Maradona Stadium.

Rasmus Hojlund is developing an impressive relationship with Kevin de Bruyne

Hojlund’s two goals were top-class finishes, but they owed a lot to the work of Kevin De Bruyne, who provided both assists. After the match, the Dane made sure to give credit to his teammate.

Speaking after the game, Hojlund expressed his admiration for De Bruyne, as quoted by Sport Media Set.

“We have three more points, and we have to continue like this. If I thanked De Bruyne for the assist? Of course I thanked him. Kevin is a legend of this sport; he has a lot of qualities. Every time he has the ball I just have to find the space and I know he will put the ball there. I’m really grateful to play with a player with this quality.”

It is unusual seeing former Manchester United and Manchester City players teaming up at Napoli, but it seems to be working out well for both of them.

Their partnership is starting to click, and that has been good news for Napoli so far.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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