Rasmus Hojlund, the striker for Napoli, has expressed that he experiences ‘more freedom’ under coach Massimiliano Allegri, although the team struggled with creating opportunities during their 2-1 defeat to Como on Sunday.
Hojlund netted the sole goal for Napoli in this home loss.
After starting the season with a 1-0 victory against Genoa, Napoli now sits with three points after two matches.
Hojlund: ‘More freedom’ under Allegri
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of Napoli, observes the action during the Serie A match against Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“The season is still long, and we can aim for the top positions,” Hojlund told DAZN after the match via TuttoNapoli.
Allegri noted that his side needed to be more resilient defensively, pointing out that his players had been too “soft” at the back. “This is definitely an area for improvement,” he said, “but we also need to enhance our attacking play, as we didn’t create many opportunities.”
“Last season, Conte was very strict about me playing with my back to the goal. This year, I have significantly more freedom, and I hope to score more goals like that,” stated the Danish striker.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with the coaching staff during the Serie A match against Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Hojlund has just kicked off his second season with Napoli after signing permanently from Manchester United following a loan deal that ended at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Napoli’s upcoming Serie A match will be against Inter, who defeated Cagliari 1-0 earlier today.
Following that match, Napoli will make their Champions League debut at home against Arsenal on September 9, 2026.
At just 23 years old, Hojlund has now scored 17 goals across 46 appearances for Napoli, with his contract at Stadio Maradona set to expire in June 2030.