Hojlund Double Lifts Napoli Past Cremonese
Rasmus Hojlund struck twice in the first half as Napoli closed out 2025 with a controlled 2-0 Serie A victory away to Cremonese, keeping the champions firmly in the title conversation.
Napoli signed off their calendar year in convincing fashion after a professional 2-0 win over Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, with Rasmus Hojlund once again proving decisive for Antonio Conte side.
The visitors did not dominate early possession, but they were ruthless when the opening arrived. In the 13th minute, a deflected effort from Leonardo Spinazzola dropped kindly inside the box and Hojlund reacted quickest to finish from close range, giving Napoli the lead with their first real threat.
Cremonese showed plenty of industry and were competitive in midfield, but their attacking efforts rarely troubled Napoli defence. Jamie Vardy thought he had pulled a goal back before the break, only for the flag to deny the hosts, while Emil Audero was kept busy at the other end as Napoli grew in confidence.
Napoli second goal arrived on the stroke of half time and it was a moment of real quality. Matteo Politano burst down the right and delivered a dangerous ball into the area, where Hojlund met it sweetly on the half volley to double the advantage and firmly shift control in Napoli favour.
The second half followed a familiar pattern, with Napoli managing the tempo and Cremonese struggling to find a way through. Hojlund went close to completing his hat trick, firing into the side netting after being sent clear, while Scott McTominay also saw a strong effort pushed away by Audero.
Despite the home side efforts and late substitutions, Napoli never looked under serious threat. Their defensive structure held firm and their ball retention drained the urgency out of the contest as the clock ticked down.
The statistics underlined Napoli authority, finishing with a significantly higher expected goals return and limiting Cremonese to just two shots on target. The result moves Conte men into second place and provides momentum heading into the new year, with Lazio next on the agenda. For Cremonese, the defeat ends an impressive home run, but their spirited display offered encouragement for the challenges ahead.
