Rasmus Hojlund’s stunning brace over Juventus catapults Napoli to top of Serie A table | OneFootball

Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund was the hero of the day for Napoli, scoring a sensational double to sink Juventus and propel his side to the top of the Serie A table.

Napoli beat Juventus

Napoli secured a 2-1 victory over Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday evening, with Hojlund grabbing both goals.

The hosts fired an early warning shot just six minutes in, when ex-United midfielder Scott McTominay headed David Neres’ cross just wide.

Napoli broke the deadlock just moments later as Hojlund Neres got free on the right and delivered the ball into the path of Hojlund, who made no mistake from close range.

Antonio Conte’s men came close to doubling their advantage when Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s header was tipped over by acrobatic goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.

Napoli picked up where they left off after the restart. Hojlund came close to scoring a second goal but was thwarted by Di Gregorio. McTominay also sent another chance begging, flashing narrowly wide with a low free-kick effort.

The Partenopei were made to pay for their missed opportunities when Juventus drew level in the 58th minute courtesy of Kenan Yildiz, who finished off a superb team move.

Parity lasted until the 78th minute, when Weston McKennie inadvertently set up Hojlund for his second. The American’s attempted headed clearance from yet another Neres cross only teed up the Dane, who lashed Napoli back in front.

Napoli now sit at the summit of the league standings, one point above Inter Milan.

Hojlund’s performance

Hojlund fired three shots, all of which were on target, including his two goals.

He successfully found his Napoli teammates with just six of the 12 passes he attempted (50% individual pass accuracy). The 22-year-old touched the ball 24 times and drew two fouls.

Hojlund won the one tackle he put in and came out on top in three of the seven ground duels he delved in.

The United loanee vied for five challenges in the air but did not win any of them.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Having gone for eight games without a goal, Hojlund’s double in a game of such magnitude will certainly do him a world of good and bode well for his confidence.

Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

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