Italian press give honest thoughts on Rasmus Hojlund after Man Utd star's heroics in Champions League

Napoli had both Manchester clubs to thank for their Champions League win against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday. The Italian club's 2-1 victory came courtesy of a brace from Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund, with both efforts crafted by Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne.

Hojlund, who also found the net on his Serie A bow for the club, has flourished since leaving Old Trafford. The 22-year-old's opener arrived as De Bruyne surged forward to spark a counter-attack from a corner kick.

The Belgian playmaker threaded a perfectly-weighted pass into Hojlund's stride, with the striker coolly dispatching the ball past the goalkeeper. It was a far cry from Hojlund's struggles in front of goal in a United shirt.

Antonio Conte's men did encounter some resistance as Sporting managed to level from the penalty spot just past the hour mark. Nevertheless, the partnership between De Bruyne and Hojlund delivered once more to secure all three points for Napoli.

A cleverly executed short corner presented De Bruyne with space to whip in a dangerous delivery and Hojlund managed to reach the ball ahead of the goalkeeper, directing his header into the unguarded goal. The stellar display from Hojlund earned rave reviews from the Italian press.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport

The opening sentence of La Gazzetta dello Sport's match coverage declared: "From Manchester with love." The publication highlights that, despite representing rival teams earlier this campaign, the duo have rapidly developed an understanding on the field.

De Bruyne is hailed as the "brains" of Conte's squad while Hojlund serves as the "arm" tasked with propelling the club to their first European win of the campaign. The display has rekindled belief in the defending Serie A titleholders, who endured a 2-1 setback against AC Milan last weekend.

La Gazzetta dello Sport revelled in witnessing De Bruyne as he "skipped past an opponent" before teeing up Hojlund's opener. Napoli clinched victory at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, despite some anxious moments as Sporting attempted to snatch a draw.

Corriere della Sera

The match analysis from Corriere della Sera praised De Bruyne's recovery from recent criticism. When the City legend was replaced late in the game, the ground showed their appreciation: "Maradona gives him a standing ovation".

Following the club's recent loss to Milan, questions had been raised about De Bruyne's performances. Nevertheless, Corriere della Sera maintained that De Bruyne's display against Sporting demonstrated precisely why Conte was eager to recruit the midfielder.

Conte had previously questioned De Bruyne but the Belgian is reported to have delivered a "forceful response". Hojlund's "hunger for goals" was equally highlighted.

Such was De Bruyne's quality that his showing alone is claimed to have justified the cost of the ticket in Naples.

Corriere dello Sport

Corriere dello Sport likened Hojlund to a "sniper" - a stark contrast to the criticism he was receiving from the Old Trafford faithful. However, ex-United star Scott McTominay didn't quite hit the mark, based on the standards he has set during his time in Italy.

"The only less brilliant player was McTominay, but it must be understood: he's not a robot; he can't play every match at 100%," their report added.

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