Napoli, Højlund shines on debut: "I learned Conte’s tactics in 48 hours" | OneFootball

Goal on his debut against Fiorentina, irony on social media, and the desire to bounce back after difficulties at United. The Danish striker is already the new face of Conte’s Napoli, set to be tested on Thursday in the Champions League against Manchester City.

Napoli, Højlund, starring debut: “In 48 hours I learned Conte’s movements”

It took just one half for Rasmus Højlund to win over Naples. On his debut in the blue shirt, the Danish striker scored the 2-0 goal in the victory over Fiorentina, showing depth, athleticism, the ability to shield the ball, and a sense for goal.

Corriere della Sera, with Monica Scozzafava’s byline, describes him as “the new man of Napoli,” capable of transforming from a United flop to an immediate protagonist in Conte’s system.

From United to Napoli: the rebirth

Just a few months ago, Højlund was considered a failed signing by Manchester United, who had spent 75 million euros to snatch him from Atalanta two seasons ago. With United, he scored just 26 goals in 95 appearances, eventually being sidelined by Ruben Amorim, who had excluded him from the technical project.

Loaned to Napoli on the last day of the transfer window, with an obligation to buy set at 50 million, the Dane immediately found his ideal environment.

“After Lukaku’s injury, a new center forward was needed,” writes Corsera, “and Højlund became the right man in the right place.”

Conte’s touch: 48 hours to learn the movements

The Dane revealed that he had very little time to absorb the tactical concepts of his new coach:

“It took me 48 hours to memorize the movements Conte asked for.”

The result was immediately evident on the pitch. Antonio Conte considers him a “ready-to-use” striker, a European center forward capable of being decisive not only in Serie A but also in the Champions League.

Between irony and focus

Off the pitch, Højlund doesn’t lose his lightness. After his debut goal, he wrote on social media: “The first day at the new job didn’t disappoint me.” A touch of irony that adds to the determination he shows on the field.

On Sunday, meanwhile, he stayed in front of the television to watch the Manchester derby, his eyes on City’s Haaland, former city rival and Napoli’s next European opponent.

The international press: “Latest United star to shine elsewhere”

The Daily Mail has no doubts: Højlund is yet another case of talent underestimated at Old Trafford who manages to relaunch himself far from Manchester.

“He scores just 14 minutes into his debut with Napoli. The 80-million striker, considered a flop at United, has had an immediate impact in Serie A. The 22-year-old could follow in the footsteps of McTominay and Antony, both of whom were reborn after leaving the club.”

Towards the Champions League: the most anticipated challenge

On Thursday, Napoli will make their Champions League debut at the Etihad against Manchester City. For Højlund, it will be a special match: facing the reigning champions, with Haaland on the other side, represents the perfect test to prove he’s back to being the striker everyone expected.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.