In the first semi-final of the Italian Super Cup, without too many collective nuances, the figure of Rasmus Hojlund was clearly imposed. The Danish striker scored a goal, provided an assist and led Naples in victory for 2:0 in view of MilanDefending champion secured a place in the final of the competition. The team led by Antonio Conte Next Monday they will face the winner of the game between Bologna and Inter on Friday.
After an opaque season at Manchester United in which he scored 26 goals amid a collective crisis, Højlund finds in Napoli an ideal context to return to his best version. In Riyadh it was decisive: firstly with a maneuver from the right that led to a mistake by the goalkeeper Mike Maignan and his South American teammate’s goal, David Neres. Then, in the addition, with a cross definition that sealed the agreement.
From the start, Napoli seemed more precise and intense. With Eljif Elmas As a link and Neres as an offensive axis, the Partenopean team found superiority in midfield and forced Milan to retreat. The first goal came in the 39th minute of the first half after a confusing game: a low cross from Højlund failed to hold on to Maignan and Neres pushed forward with an empty goal.
Naples goal!
After Maignan failed to win the ball, Neres came and scored the 1-0 against Milan.#SuperCupOfItaliaEnDSPORTS pic.twitter.com/3YxzNRmxl7—DSPORTS (@DSports) December 18, 2025
The tone remained the same in the second half and the set fell in the 63rd minute. Højlund again, activated in detail by Leonardo Spinazzolacontrolled the penalty area and defined the far post with precision with his left foot. With the 2-0, Napoli controlled the tempo and thwarted Milan’s attempts to react, who were overwhelmed at times and hardly bothered the goalkeeper. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Not even the legend entry Luka ModricThe 40-year-old was able to change the balance.
With this game the striker achieved the seven goals and three assists in 18 games since arriving at Napoli, in the last transfer market, on loan with a mandatory purchase option of €44 million if they qualify for the next Champions League. A figure much lower than the more than 77 million it cost United.
GOOOOLAZO NAPOLI!
Spectacular left-footed shot from Rasmus Højlund to make it 2-0 against Milan.#SuperCupOfItaliaEnDSPORTS pic.twitter.com/0MSpKi46Hf—DSPORTS (@DSports) December 18, 2025
It was Milan’s third defeat in 19 games this season, in which they are second in the table Series Ajust one point ahead of Napoli, the last champions. The fall leaves the equipment unprotected Massimiliano Allegriwhich wasn’t the case Rafael Leaoinjured, and also found no answers in his offensive figures, Christian Pulisic And Christopher Nkunku. Napoli, for its part, suffered losses Kevin De Bruynealso due to injury.
22-year-old Rasmus Højlund plays the lead role in a resurrection story. The striker failed to establish himself at Old Trafford. In a team that finished 15th in the Premier League and was banned from all European competition, his contribution was discreet: 10 goals in 52 games last season.
However, when he came to Napoli on loan, he was able to make up ground. Antonio Conte chose him given the lengthy absence Romelu Lukakuand the Dane answered. The reunion with Scott McTominayalso a former United, seems to have been another positive factor. Both have formed a duo that, without being brilliant, has added strength to the team looking to defend their local title, with a sustained season in Serie A and now with the possibility of lifting a trophy in the Middle East.
Napoli will play again in the final of the Italian Super Cup on Monday, December 22nd. Wait for the winner of the duel between Bologna, champions of the Italian Cup, and Inter, runners-up in Serie A, who will face each other this Friday from 4 p.m. in Riyadh. With record prize money of 23 million euros, including 11 for the champions, the tournament represents not only a sporting but also an economic goal for the Italian clubs.
Game summary
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