Two former Manchester United players were the architects of Napoli's latest triumph, earning widespread praise from the Italian press. The reigning Serie A champions secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cremonese on Sunday evening, with goals from on-loan striker Rasmus Hojlund proving decisive.
Dynamic Duo Deliver on the Pitch
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was effectively settled by a first-half brace from Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund. The 22-year-old, who joined Napoli on a temporary deal from Manchester United this summer, opened the scoring after just 13 minutes. He then doubled the lead shortly before half-time, finishing smartly after a clever flick from his teammate Scott McTominay.
McTominay, who left Old Trafford permanently in 2024, delivered a commanding performance in midfield. His physical dominance and tactical intelligence were highlighted as key factors in Napoli's control of the game. The Scottish international, who was crowned Serie A's Most Valuable Player last season, has become a cornerstone of Antonio Conte's side since his arrival.
Italian Media's Verdict: 'Unstoppable' and 'Omnipresent'
Major sports publications in Italy were unanimous in their acclaim for the Premier League exports. La Gazzetta dello Sport described Hojlund as "unstoppable" and "simply unmarkable," praising his movement and clinical finishing. They noted his first goal was a "masterclass in timing" and the second showed the instinct of a "true predator."
The paper reserved special praise for McTominay, stating he "was everywhere." They highlighted how his "physical dominance" liberated fellow midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and that his late runs into the box have become a potent weapon for Napoli.
Corriere dello Sport awarded Hojlund a 7.5/10 match rating, calling him a "true predator" who has transformed Conte's attack. McTominay received a 6.5/10 for his "overwhelming physicality" which dismantled Cremonese's play. Tuttosport went further, suggesting Hojlund could be the key to another league title, dubbing his performance "devastating" and labelling McTominay "The Scottish warrior."
A Fresh Start and Title Momentum
For Hojlund, this form represents a stark contrast to his challenging spell at Manchester United. With nine goals already for Napoli across all competitions, he is just one strike away from matching his entire tally from last season at Old Trafford. The positive media coverage in Italy offers a welcome change from the criticism he previously faced.
The victory marks Napoli's third consecutive 2-0 win across all competitions, signalling a strong return to form for Conte's team. The performances of McTominay, a now-established leader, and the rapidly settling Hojlund, suggest the partnership between the two former United colleagues will be central to Napoli's ambitions of retaining the Scudetto this season.
