Rasmus Hojlund inspired Napoli to victory over AC Milan in Monday’s Super Cup Italiana final in Riyadh.
From the moment Rasmus Hojlund joined Napoli on loan, it felt like he had played his final game for Manchester United.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a positive start in Naples, having already experienced Italian football from his time at Atalanta.
Hojlund has scored seven goals this season, but he now faces stiff competition from Romelu Lukaku for a place in the team, with the experienced Belgian striker on the verge of returning from injury.
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It remains to be seen if Napoli will sign Hojlund on a permanent deal when his loan expires next summer.
Still, Antonio Conte made it clear after the Super Cup Italiana semi-final that he is a valued member of the team.
Antonio Conte in the dugout
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Antonio Conte hails Rasmus Hojlund in Super Cup Italiana semi-final
It was a night to remember for Hojlund as he played a role in both goals as Napoli beat AC Milan 2-0.
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Serie A champions Napoli needed the win to bounce back from consecutive defeats and they achieved that by knocking out the reigning Super Cup Italiana holders.
David Neres broke the deadlock in the 39th minute as United loanee Hojlund squared the ball into a dangerous area. Then, 18 minutes into the second half, Hojlund doubled Napoli’s lead with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Conte was asked about Hojlund’s performance when he praised his ‘significant potential’ and ability to be ‘decisive’ in big games.
“As for Hojlund, he’s a 22-year-old with significant potential, and the more he play with us, the better he understands the things I ask of him,” Conte said, as quoted by Tuttomercato.
“Today he was decisive. We’re talking about a young player who can still grow a lot. We’re holding on to him and hope to recover Lukaku as soon as possible, and then there’s Lucca, who’s also improving.”
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Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Leny Yoro celebrate against Sunderland
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Conte made it clear that Hojlund remains a part of his plans even with Lukaku back in contention to play.
The Dane has surely earned a starting role for the Super Cup Italiana final, which will be played in January.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan seeks place in Super Cup Italiania final
Napoli will find out who they will face in the Super Cup Italiana final on Friday night when Bologna take on Inter Milan.
That means Hojlund and Scott McTominay could face former United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the final, should Inter Milan beat Bologna.
It is worth noting that former United right-back Matteo Darmian also plays for Inter. Still, the Italian veteran is currently out injured and won’t be playing in tonight’s semi-final.
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