Hojlund Double Powers Napoli Past Juventus
Rasmus Hojlund struck in each half as Napoli extended their dominant home run against Juventus with a deserved 2-1 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to reclaim top spot in Serie A.
Napoli kept their perfect recent home record against Juventus intact after edging the Old Lady 2-1 in a tightly contested Serie A clash at the Maradona. Goals from Rasmus Hojlund, one early and one late, ensured Antonio Conte’s side made it seven straight home league wins over their old rivals.
The hosts made the ideal start, striking inside seven minutes. Giovanni Di Lorenzo released David Neres down the right flank and the winger danced past his marker before delivering a pinpoint cross into the six-yard area. Hojlund slid in to beat Michele Di Gregorio, setting the tone for a first half largely dominated by the Partenopei.
Napoli controlled proceedings with authority, pressing high and suffocating Juventus through midfield. Di Gregorio was kept busy, producing a fine save to deny Di Lorenzo’s header, while Juventus were restricted to speculative efforts from distance and failed to register a meaningful presence in Milinkovic-Savic’s box before the interval.
Despite Juves struggles, Napoli’s inability to add a second goal kept the contest alive. That opening came just before the hour mark, and Juventus took it. Weston McKennie’s pass found Kenan Yildiz in space inside the area, and the Turkish youngster finished at the far post with Juventus’ first shot on target to restore parity.
The equaliser briefly shifted the momentum, but Napoli refused to be rattled. Conte’s side regrouped quickly and began to turn the screw once more, pushing Juventus deeper as the match entered its final stages.
The decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. After a cross was nodded poorly back across goal by McKennie under pressure, Hojlund reacted fastest, rising at close range to head past Di Gregorio and complete his brace.
The goal reflected Napolis control on the night, underlined by an expected goals tally that heavily favoured the hosts. Juventus created little in open play and were ultimately undone by sustained pressure and a lack of cutting edge.
The victory lifts Napoli back to the top of the Serie A table ahead of a midweek Champions League assignment against Benfica, while Juventus remain in seventh and searching for consistency as they prepare for upcoming clashes with Pafos and Bologna.
For Conte, it was another measured statement against familiar opposition. For Juventus, the Maradona once again proved a difficult place to leave with points.
