Rasmus Hojlund is only six goals off his tally for Manchester United last season with the Dane proving himself to be an important player for Antonio Conte's Napoli
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice for Napoli on Wednesday
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice for Napoli on Wednesday
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Rasmus Hojlund's continued excellence in front of goal saw Napoli shoot to the top of the Serie A standings after their 2-1 win over Genoa over the weekend.
The on-loan Manchester United star scored in the 75th minute to give the Italian champions the lead once again as their +1 superior goal difference has them narrowly ahead of Roma.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who scored the equaliser after Jeff Ekhator's opener, shot from inside the box but his effort was saved by Nicola Leali but it was Hojlund who was first to the ball as he struck home into an empty net.
The goal marked his third consecutive strike at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and his fourth in six games since joining the club on transfer deadline day. With the absence of Romelu Lukaku due to a high-grade thigh injury, Hojlund has stepped up to anchor the champions' attack with his efforts leading to widespread praise in the Italian media.
Corriere della Sport
Corriere della Sport's match report made sure to shower praise on Hojlund's decisiveness in front of goal and his consistency to find the net - an attribute he was sorely missing in his two years in Manchester.
Their report read: "Hojlund's finishing ability also made the difference, with three consecutive goals at the Maradona and already four in six games." Despite a difficult first half where Napoli "failed to build an attacking play", the report championed Kevin De Bruyne's influence upon his introduction in the second half.
The Manchester City legend was complimented for "bringing order and quality, revitalising the team, and inspiring his teammates. With him, Napoli seemed like a different team, both in terms of conviction and awareness."
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with Rasmus Hojlund
Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund have proven to be a fruitful duo for Napoli so far this season
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La Gazzetta dello Sport
La Gazzetta dello Sport's match report has already handed the keys of the Serie A champions' attack to the Dane which read: "Napoli has found its true centre-forward. And they're enjoying it."
It's some compliment given it was Lukaku who was the main man up front last season in their title victory where he netted 14 goals across all competitions. However, with the Belgian striker's absence, Hojlund has stepped up to the task of leading the Italian giants and has certainly made a fruitful start to life in Naples.
With the 22-year-old now on international break with Denmark, Conte will hope his star man continues his rich vein in front of goal ahead of their away trip to Torino on October 18.
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring against Genoa
The Dane has scored four goals in six games (Image: Domenico Cippitelli/NurPhoto)
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la Repubblica
Hojlund's strong start to life back in Serie A has mended the striker's reputation after a period of struggle at Old Trafford. la Repubblica opted for a headline to illustrate how quickly his importance has been felt which read "Hojlund has already taken Napoli: his goals for the top spot in the standings."
His goal clinched all three points for his side which saw them leapfrog Roma to the top of the table where they lead by goal difference. Since his move to Atalanta in 2022, Hojlund has yet to play for a team challenging for the biggest honours but he's taken like a duck to water in Napoli's chase to win back-to-back league titles for the first time in their 99-year history.
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