Rasmus Hojlund has made a bright start to life at Napoli and the Denmark international scored twice in the Champions League on Wednesday thanks to two assists from Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin de Bruyne set up Rasmus Hojlund for two goals in Napoli's win against Sporting CP
Kevin de Bruyne set up Rasmus Hojlund for two goals in Napoli's win against Sporting CP
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Rasmus Hojlund has shared a cheeky post after Kevin De Bruyne set him up twice during Napoli's 2-1 triumph over Sporting CP in the Champions League. The 22-year-old striker left Manchester United last month to join Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
The Denmark forward has since made a brilliant start to life at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and bagged his second and third goals for the Italian side on Wednesday. Hojlund broke the deadlock against Sporting in the 36th minute, latching onto a gorgeous through-ball from former Manchester City star De Bruyne before firing past the keeper.
Following Luis Suarez's penalty equaliser for Sporting, Hojlund struck again as Napoli restored their advantage in the 79th minute. De Bruyne was the provider once more, delivering a perfect cross into the area for Hojlund to attack, and the striker powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to seal his double.
Despite intense late pressure from Sporting, Napoli clung on to secure their maiden Champions League victory of the campaign following their defeat to Manchester City a fortnight earlier. Taking to Instagram after the match, Hojlund shared a tongue-in-cheek message that will resonate with both United and City supporters.
Posting alongside two snaps of himself celebrating his brace, Hojlund wrote: "'Højlund scores twice in the Champions League after two assists from Kevin de Bruyne' was not on my 2025 bingo card." Hojlund has been on a scoring spree for Napoli, netting three times in five appearances since his transfer from United, with one of those goals coming on his debut against Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, De Bruyne has made an immediate impact at Napoli following his summer move from City. However, there were whispers of discontent after the Belgian appeared frustrated when substituted during the second half of Sunday's match against AC Milan.
When quizzed about this and his performance against Sporting, Napoli manager Antonio Conte said: "Kevin, compared to the other signings, comes from a different reality. He spent years at City and played at the very highest level.
"I have nothing to say to him, he's a very good lad and he works hard. I understand his desire to play, but there are also substitutions. I want to win and if I make them, it's with the intention of improving the team.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund scored both goals for Napoli in their Champions League win over Sporting CP
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"Then it's normal that in the media they are discussed depending on the results – the important thing is that everyone gives their all for the team."
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