Serie A: Hojlund bags brace as Napoli end 2025 with win at Cremonese
Napoli closed out 2025 on a positive note with a controlled 2-0 away victory over Cremonese, as Rasmus Hojlund delivered a clinical brace to secure all three points in the Serie A clash.
The result provided a timely response after Napoli briefly surrendered top spot following defeat to Udinese, building on momentum from their Supercoppa Italiana success in Riyadh despite a heavily rotated squad.
Napoli strike despite depleted lineup
With several senior figures unavailable, Napoli still imposed themselves early.
Filippo Terracciano tested Vanja Milinković-Savić from range, but the breakthrough arrived when Leonardo Spinazzola’s long-range effort took a decisive deflection, allowing Hojlund to react quickest and finish from close range.
Cremonese had moments of promise, most notably when Matteo Bianchetti volleyed over unmarked from a set-piece and Rasmus Hojlund was denied a second by Emil Audero in a one-on-one situation.
Hojlund doubles the advantage before the break
Napoli maintained pressure and capitalised again just before half-time. Alessio Zerbin’s loose interception fell kindly, enabling Matteo Politano to cross for Hojlund, who converted from six yards to double the lead.
The Dane’s growing confidence was evident, having already surpassed his Serie A goal tally from his entire previous season.
Napoli manage the second half
After the interval, Hojlund continued to threaten, striking the side-netting and nearly turning provider for David Neres.
Napoli remained composed defensively, limiting Cremonese to half-chances despite late efforts from Scott McTominay and Warren Bondo.
Audero was kept busy, notably denying McTominay from distance, but Napoli’s structure held firm through stoppage time.
The win helps Napoli’s title credentials heading into the new year, while Cremonese remain searching for consistency as they prepare for the new year.
