Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund shares that he feels a sense of ‘more freedom’ under Massimiliano Allegri, despite the team experiencing a challenging 2-1 loss against Como. Hojlund scored Napoli’s only goal during the match played at home on Sunday.

The Partenopei had initially won their opening match away at Genoa, bringing their total points to three from the first two games of the season.

Hojlund: ‘More freedom’ under Allegri

In a statement to DAZN following the match, Hojlund expressed optimism despite the loss, saying, “The season is still long, and we can still play for the first spots.” He commented on the need for improvement in the team’s performance, particularly in scoring opportunities, stating, “We didn’t have many chances.” Allegri, addressing the team’s defensive shortcomings, noted that they had been too “soft” and must strengthen their play at the back.

Reflecting on his personal development this season, Hojlund indicated a shift from the previous season under a different coach, stating, “Last season, Conte was very strict about me having my back to the goal. This season, I have much more freedom, and I hope to score more goals like that.”

Hojlund has embarked on his second season with Napoli after completing a permanent transfer from Manchester United following a successful loan period in the 2025-26 season. Looking ahead, Napoli’s next Serie A match is scheduled away at Inter, who recently defeated Cagliari 1-0 away this evening. Following this matchup, Napoli will debut in the 2026-27 Champions League at home against Arsenal on September 9.

Hojlund, at 23, has scored 17 goals in 46 appearances for Napoli, with his contract at Stadio Maradona extending until June 2030.

Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund admits he feels ‘more freedom’ under Massimiliano Allegri, but the Partenopei ‘didn’t have many chances’ in a 2-1 loss against Como.

Hojlund scored the only goal for Napoli in a home defeat against Como on Sunday.

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The Partenopei had won the opening match away at Genoa, so they now have three points from the first two games.

Hojlund: ‘More freedom’ under Allegri

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of Napoli, looks on 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)

“The season is still long, and we can still play for the first spots,” Hojlund told DAZN at full-time via TuttoNapoli.

Allegri said the Partenopei should have been tougher at the back as he pointed out his players had been too “soft” defensively.

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“Surely, it’s an aspect we have to improve, but we also have to improve in attack because I think we didn’t have many chances,” said the Dane.

“Last season, Conte was very strict about me having my back to the goal. This season, I have much more freedom, and I hope to score more goals like that.”

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)

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Hojlund has just begun his second season at Napoli. The Partenopei signed him permanently from Manchester United at the end of his loan spell in 2025-26.

Napoli’s next Serie A match is away at Inter, who beat Cagliari 1-0 away this evening.

After that game, Napoli will make their 2026-27 Champions League debut at home against Arsenal on September 9.

Hojlund, 23, has now scored 17 goals in 46 Napoli games, and his contract at the Stadio Maradona runs out in June 2030.