Hojlund’s Napoli Gamble Pays Off With Super Cup Glory
Rasmus Hojlund described his loan switch from Manchester United to Napoli as a “great decision” after lifting the Italian Super Cup, his first trophy in senior football. The Denmark striker watched Napoli dominate Bologna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Brazilian winger David Neres struck twice to seal a deserved victory.
The triumph also marked a second Napoli trophy for Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, following last season’s Serie A title, while Hojlund celebrated a landmark moment just months after arriving on loan in September. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence in Italy, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances and netting again in Thursday’s Italian Cup semi-final win over AC Milan.
Hojlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta in 2023 for £72m but struggled for consistency, managing only four league goals last season. Considered surplus to requirements, he moved to Naples on a deal that includes an obligation for Napoli to buy him next summer for £38m.
Neres’ curling opener and ruthless second-half finish underlined Napoli’s quality, as they claimed their third Super Cup title. The expanded four-team tournament will continue to be staged in Saudi Arabia until 2029 under revised competition regulations internationally.
