News Focus
- Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Bologna on Monday evening.
- Rasmus Hojlund started the match but failed to score for the hosts.
- The Dane’s loan from Manchester United includes a €44m permanent option.
- This option becomes compulsory if Napoli secure a top-four finish in Serie A.
- Napoli sit second in the table, three points ahead of fourth-placed rivals.
Antonio Conte has defended striker Rasmus Hojlund following Napoli’s 3-2 defeat to Bologna. The Italian coach insists the forward has significant room to grow despite the team’s setback.
The loss at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona means Napoli cannot yet confirm qualification for next season’s Champions League. They have just two matches remaining in the campaign.
Hojlund, who is 23 years old, started the clash but did not find the net. He has scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for the club this term since joining on loan from Manchester United.
Conte explained that the Denmark international is currently his only fit striker. This means the player must feature constantly without rest.
“He is only 23 years old,” Conte told reporters after the final whistle. “He works hard for the team. He has energy and margin for improvement.”
The Napoli boss added that Hojlund must learn when to run behind the defence and when to hold up the ball. He admitted he wishes he could give the player a break from the starting eleven.
Hojlund’s future at the club depends on the final league standings. Napoli hold an option to sign him permanently for €44 million. This clause becomes mandatory if the Partenopei finish inside the top four.
Currently, Napoli occupy second place in Serie A. They hold a three-point advantage over both Roma and Milan, who are tied on 67 points in fourth position.
Club director Giovanni Manna has previously stated that Napoli intend to make Hojlund’s transfer permanent this summer. He claims this will occur even if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League.
Napoli will travel to face already-relegated Pisa next weekend. They conclude their season at home against Udinese on the weekend of May 24.