Rasmus Højlund’s attitude has been praised in Italy after his swift return to training with Napoli just a day after Denmark duty. The 22-year-old striker, who joined the reigning Serie A champions on deadline day from Manchester United, was already working under Antonio Conte at Castel Volturno on Tuesday afternoon, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Fresh from scoring in Denmark’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Greece — his 10th goal for his country — Højlund flew directly from Athens to Naples, covering 800km to ensure he was ready for first-team training.
For a player criticised at times for inconsistency at United, such commitment speaks volumes about his determination to make the most of his loan spell.
United Exit and Napoli Opportunity
Højlund’s loan includes an option-to-buy clause, with United set to bank around £38m if Napoli qualify for the Champions League. After scoring 10 goals and adding 4 assists in 52 appearances for United last season, the Dane is eager to show more consistency in Italy.
Conte, who has been searching for attacking reinforcements, is expected to ease Højlund into his system. Lorenzo Lucca is tipped to lead the line against Fiorentina this weekend, but Højlund could make his debut from the bench before a blockbuster Champions League tie with Manchester City.
Højlund’s Manchester United Record (2024/25)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 34 | 7 | 3 |
| Domestic Cups | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Europe | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 52 | 10 | 4 |
source: Manchester United stats – 2024/25 season
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says Højlund’s professionalism could prove decisive:
“Højlund needed this move. At United, he became a rotation player and struggled for rhythm. His decision to fly straight from international duty into Napoli training shows hunger to succeed. Conte’s demanding system will push him, but this kind of mentality is exactly what could turn his career around.”
Key Insights
- Højlund joined Napoli on loan with option to buy for £38m.
- Flew direct from Athens to Naples after scoring for Denmark vs Greece.
- Trained with Napoli first team less than 24 hours after international duty.
- Scored 10 goals and registered 4 assists in 52 games for United last season.
- Conte expected to use him gradually, with Fiorentina debut likely from the bench.
What’s Next for Højlund and Napoli?
Højlund is in contention for his first Napoli appearance this weekend against Fiorentina before a huge midweek Champions League clash against Manchester City. Conte is expected to rotate his forwards, giving the Dane the chance to prove himself quickly.
For Manchester United, much rests on whether Højlund delivers in Serie A. A successful season could trigger a permanent sale, securing a significant fee and drawing a line under a transfer that never fully worked at Old Trafford.
👉 Will Rasmus Højlund thrive under Conte at Napoli — or struggle to find his scoring rhythm in Serie A again?
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