- Napoli claimed their first Champions League win with a 2-1 victory over Sporting.
- Rasmus Hojlund scored twice, taking his tally for the club to three goals.
- Kevin De Bruyne assisted one goal and compared Hojlund to Erling Haaland.
- Napoli coach Antonio Conte is unlocking the striker’s full potential.
Napoli finally picked up their first victory in this season’s Champions League after beating Sporting 2-1 on Wednesday night. It was a much-needed response after their earlier defeat against Manchester City, where Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s red card cost them.
Rasmus Hojlund was the star of the night. The Manchester United loanee scored both goals for Napoli, showing strength and sharp finishing. His performance has now taken his tally to three goals for the Italian side in the competition.
Kevin De Bruyne, who assisted Hojlund’s second goal, was full of praise after the match.
“We played a great game, but Sporting are strong and showed good technique and intensity. The penalty we gave away was a silly mistake, but overall we deserved the win,” De Bruyne told Corriere dello Sport.
“I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. Both like to attack space, but maybe Rasmus comes deeper to receive the ball more. If he keeps attacking the depth, he can really help us.
Hojlund is now receiving better service at Napoli compared to his time at Manchester United, and it is paying off. Antonio Conte’s system is bringing the best out of him, and the young Dane has already expressed interest in staying at Napoli beyond this season.
