Rasmus Hojlund ended Napoli’s 2025 schedule in style, scoring twice in a 2-0 Serie A win over Cremonese, while Antonio Conte stressed that the on-loan Manchester United forward still has plenty to develop
despite the brace and strong recent form in front of goal.
The Danish international struck first after 13 minutes with a close-range effort, then added a sharp half-volley just before half-time. Hojlund missed further chances for a first hat-trick since March 2023, yet continues to lead all Serie A players for goals in all competitions since the start of December.
Conte’s staff track Hojlund’s numbers closely. The 22-year-old has now reached nine goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this season. Five have arrived in Serie A, already beating the four Premier League goals Hojlund recorded for Manchester United across 32 league games last season.
Conte highlighted how Hojlund is adapting to Napoli’s system and maturing tactically. "Hojlund is a player who is very young and can improve a great deal," said the Italian, who sees the forward learning when to drop, when to spin in behind, and how to use body strength to shield possession.
Conte feels Hojlund already influences games more than when joining on loan. The head coach views the striker as a focal point, noting that understanding of positions and pressing triggers is improving. In Conte’s structure, forwards carry "a very important and special role in the overall approach, and he has huge margin for further improvement. "
This victory closed a successful year for Napoli. The club secured the Serie A title for the second time in three seasons, then added the Supercoppa Italiana by beating Bologna earlier this week. Conte appreciated finishing 2025 with another win and considered the broader achievements over the past 12 months.
Reflecting on the period, Conte said: "It was such a great calendar year full of satisfaction, and the celebrations in Naples are truly different to other places. We celebrated the Scudetto and the Supercoppa, now in Serie A we are up there, trying to stick close to the top spots. "
Injuries pushed Napoli to adjust during recent weeks. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Anguissa have all been absent, forcing Conte to modify formations and roles. He acknowledged that several major players missed the Cremonese match, and hoped the squad depth and work ethic would sustain results until key returns.
Conte outlined that challenge clearly. "We are building our road with hard work and dedication, facing those difficulties as this is the last game of the year, once again we were missing a lot of big players. All I can hope for is that they all come back in 2026, hopefully as soon as possible. "
Analytical data underlined Hojlund’s progress in Italy compared with England, especially in league scoring.
5 - Rasmus #Hjlund has scored 5 goals in 12 appearances so far in the current Serie A, already one more than he netted last season for Manchester United in the Premier League, 4 goals scored in 32 games played. Habitat. #CremoneseNapoli pic.twitter.com/SOYfxdQoQM OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 28, 2025
For Napoli and Conte, Hojlund’s form, the domestic title, and the Supercoppa Italiana win close 2025 with confidence. The club remains near the Serie A summit, and the coaching staff believe further tactical growth from Hojlund, plus recovering stars, can support another strong challenge in 2026.
