Two former Manchester United players were the standout performers as Napoli secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday evening. Scott McTominay and on-loan striker Rasmus Hojlund delivered a masterclass, prompting effusive praise from Italy's major sports publications.
Dynamic Duo Deliver Decisive Blows
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona saw Rasmus Hojlund break the deadlock after just 13 minutes. The Danish forward, who joined the Italian champions on a temporary deal from Manchester United this summer, then doubled the lead shortly before half-time. His second goal was created by a clever, improvised flick from Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay, who departed Old Trafford permanently in 2024.
Hojlund's brace takes his tally to nine goals across all competitions for Napoli, a remarkable return that sees him just one goal shy of his total for the entire previous season with Manchester United. McTominay, a Serie A MVP winner and domestic double holder since his move, continued to demonstrate why he has become the engine of Antonio Conte's side.
Italian Media's Verdict on the Performers
La Gazzetta dello Sport led the acclaim, describing Hojlund as "unstoppable" and "simply unmarkable." They praised his movement, comparing it to "the grace of a panther," and highlighted the clinical nature of his finishing. The publication reserved significant praise for McTominay too, noting his "omnipresence on the field" and stating that his late runs into the box are now one of Napoli's most potent tactical weapons.
Corriere dello Sport awarded Hojlund a high rating of 7.5/10, labelling him "a true predator" who has transformed Conte's attack. They noted that his two goals "felt inevitable." McTominay received a 6.5/10 for his "overwhelming physicality" and his role in dismantling Cremonese's attempts to build play, emphasising that his mere presence dictates the game's rhythm.
Tuttosport suggested Hojlund could be the key to another league title for Napoli, calling him "the missing piece of the puzzle." They rated the striker at 8/10 and McTominay at 7/10, dubbing the Scot "the Scottish warrior" for his dominance in duels and the crucial verticality he provides.
A Welcome Change of Fortune
For Hojlund, this performance and the subsequent media reaction offer a stark contrast to the criticism he sometimes faced during his stint in the Premier League. His seamless adaptation to Serie A and prolific form have made him one of the signings of the season. Meanwhile, McTominay's career continues to flourish in Naples, where he has established himself as the team's tactical heartbeat.
The 2-0 result marks Napoli's third consecutive victory by that scoreline, signalling a strong run of form for Conte's reigning champions. With the influential performances of their former Premier League stars, Napoli's campaign appears to be gathering significant momentum.
