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Hojlund, 22, registered his fourth goal for Napoli in just six outings during Sunday’s win — a stark contrast to the ten goals he managed in 52 appearances for United last season. ..Continue Reading
The Danish striker has rediscovered his form since making a season-long loan switch — with a conditional purchase clause — from Manchester United, following a difficult spell in the Premier League.
Similar to Scott McTominay, another former United player, the 22-year-old now looks transformed compared to the version that struggled after his £72m move from Atalanta in 2023.
After helping the reigning Serie A champions secure three points at the Diego Maradona Stadium, Hojlund was asked if he had made any changes, to which he replied: “I don’t think I’ve changed anything.”
The win places Napoli at the summit of Serie A after six matches, with five victories and one defeat.
Hojlund has built chemistry with fellow summer arrival Kevin De Bruyne since landing in Italy and is aiming to finally reach his full potential with the Naples outfit.
Following Sunday’s result, Conte, 56, appeared to take a jab at Hojlund’s parent club, United, by highlighting how the forward spent much of his time in England on the bench.
“He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United,” Conte told Gazzetta.
“He has significant room for improvement, he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it.”
Conte also addressed the form of McTominay, 28, who was named 2024/25 Serie A Player of the Season, admitting the midfielder was “struggling a bit” compared to last year’s standout campaign, which included 13 goals and six assists.
The Napoli boss further explained why De Bruyne didn’t start, attributing the decision to squad rotation.
“We have to manage our schedule between Serie A and the Champions League. Against Pisa, I rested Anguissa and Lobotka, today, after several games where Kevin was a key player, I chose to start with a 4-3-3,” the Italian explained.
“But he’s fully integrated, we understand each other perfectly. He’s very important for us because, when we play with four midfielders, he adds a lot of quality.”
Napoli are set to resume Serie A duties with an away fixture against Torino on Saturday, 18 October.
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