Hojlund praises Allegri at Napoli: 'I have more freedom to attack'

Rasmus Hojlund says the change of manager at Napoli has given him the platform his game has been asking for, describing a shift from playing with his back to goal to running in behind.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport , the Denmark international was keen to clear up remarks he made after the Como game about feeling freer.

“I think what I said was misinterpreted and taken out of context,” he said. “Last year it worked very well with me playing with my back to goal, and the team was successful. I’m happy with the work I did with Conte, but for my style of play I think I can give more to the team. I’m a quick player, I can attack the space, something I think I did a little last season but have more freedom to do this year.”

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with coaching staff during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) Hojlund refuses to make Scudetto claims for Napoli Asked directly whether this Napoli side are title contenders, the striker declined to commit. “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said. “I think this year it’s important to improve every day. We’ll see…”

He was warmer on the coaches who shaped him, starting with Gian Piero Gasperini. “He’s excellent, he plays offensive, quick football. He’s a coach who demands a lot, from the pressing to the movement off the ball. I learned a lot from him, I was lucky to have him at the start of my career: thanks to him I’m the player I am today.”

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Leo Ostigard of Genoa controls the ball under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) Antonio Conte once said Hojlund had everything needed to become a star, but the Dane refuses to get carried away. “I don’t focus too much on being a star: of course, I want to become a top player, but I try to improve every day. Then at the end of my career we’ll see where I’ve got to.”

Cristiano Ronaldo remains his idol, and Hojlund pointed to the legendary forward’s mentality rather than his numbers. “He could have said enough, he’s won five Ballons d’Or, but he wants to keep improving. That’s the mentality of the greats.” He also admitted he badly missed Kevin De Bruyne last season, calling him “the best playmaker in the history of the Premier League.”