Napoli: De Bruyne shines, Hojlund leads, Conte confident in Europe | OneFootball

Napoli smiles again in Europe. After defeats against Manchester City and Milan, Antonio Conte's team secures their first win of the season in the Champions League by defeating Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at the Maradona Stadium.

Napoli, De Bruyne shines and Hojlund leads: Conte regains confidence in the Champions League

An evening that counts double: not only for the three points earned but also because the match was decided by two players who had been at the center of controversy in recent days. Kevin De Bruyne, with two world-class assists, and Rasmus Hojlund, who scored a brace that revitalizes his season.

De Bruyne, a master of the game who silences the critics

Rumors of a supposed physical and technical decline had sparked discussions around the Belgian star. But against Sporting, De Bruyne responded in the best way possible: on the field. Two assists that showcase his timeless class.

The first came from a recovery by Anguissa, with KDB crafting a perfect counterattack and serving Hojlund in depth: “The Dane outpaced the defenders and scored the 1-0.” The second came in the second half, with a precisely calibrated cross onto the head of the Azzurri striker for the 2-1 goal. Plays that confirm how the former City player remains an indispensable technical leader.

Hojlund, the brace that revitalizes Napoli's attack

Rasmus Hojlund had experienced challenging weeks. After the goal in Florence against Fiorentina, he went three games without scoring, raising doubts about his ability to replace the injured Lukaku. However, the Champions League provided the perfect stage for him to respond.

Two goals, both decisive, that dispel any uncertainty. “I’m not here to make anyone regret anything,” seems to say the Danish striker, who has shown with strength and timing that he can be Napoli's offensive reference.

Conte regains balance and European mentality

It's not just the individual performances that make Conte smile. The coach appreciated the team's attitude, capable of enduring at the right moments and striking with precision when the opportunity arose.

After the painful defeat at San Siro, Napoli showed maturity: defensive order, intelligent tactical readings, and the composure needed to manage a tricky opponent like Sporting. A performance that restores confidence and, above all, awareness for the future, both in Europe and in the league.

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