Antonio Conte on Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay became the headline story after Napoli’s 1-0 loss to Torino in Serie A on Saturday. The Italian champions were left frustrated in Turin as Giovanni Simeone’s first-half strike handed them their second defeat of the season — a match notable for the absence of two key players who have played vital roles in Napoli’s title defense so far.
Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay were both left out of the matchday squad despite being in fine form before the international break. Napoli clearly missed their energy and influence in attack and midfield, respectively, as they struggled to create clear chances throughout the game.
Hojlund’s impressive form since joining Napoli
Hojlund’s transformation since moving to Naples has been remarkable. After being frozen out by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United during pre-season, the 22-year-old Danish striker left Old Trafford for Napoli on loan with an option to buy next summer. The move has reignited his career.
Since his arrival, Hojlund has scored four goals in six appearances across all competitions, helping Napoli remain competitive both domestically and in Europe. His form also carried into the international break, where he bagged a brace in Denmark’s 6-0 win over Belarus before scoring again in a 3-0 victory over Greece.
Speaking after his national team heroics, Hojlund posted on social media: “A wise man once said: Goals are like ketchup. Once they come, they keep on coming.”
Antonio Conte on Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay’s absence
Following Napoli’s defeat, Antonio Conte explained why Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay were left out of the squad. The coach clarified that both players were struggling with physical issues picked up before the match.
Conte said: “They came with us because we wanted them to play. On Thursday, McTominay injured himself and needed six stitches to his ankle. It was annoying. We tried yesterday, but he preferred not to take any risks. I can’t force anyone.”
The manager also shed light on Hojlund’s situation, explaining that the striker returned fatigued after a demanding international schedule. “Rasmus arrived very tired from the national team. He had a small strain in his quadriceps, and when you’re playing every three days, even a small issue becomes serious. There was no point in risking him when we had alternatives. A healthy horse is better than a lame horse, they say in my house.”
Napoli slip to second in Serie A standings
The defeat saw Napoli drop to second place in Serie A, level on 15 points with Inter Milan, who climbed to the top of the table on goal difference after their 1-0 win over Roma. Conte’s side now faces the challenge of maintaining consistency as they prepare for crucial fixtures in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
Reflecting on the loss, Conte said his team was unlucky rather than poor defensively: “If you look at the goal we conceded, we practically scored it ourselves. It was just a rebound that set up Simeone. It wasn’t a mistake or a defensive lapse.”
The manager emphasized that his team’s attacking approach sometimes leaves them exposed at the back: “This is a team that likes to play forward. When you press high up, you have to accept duels and be ready to defend the open spaces. That’s part of our identity.”
Scott McTominay’s search for form
While Hojlund has adapted quickly to life in Italy, Scott McTominay’s form has been more inconsistent. The Scottish midfielder, who was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player last season, has yet to hit the same heights this campaign.
McTominay has featured in six league games so far, providing just one assist. However, he found the net for Scotland during the international break, scoring the winner in their 2-1 victory over Belarus, which may serve as a confidence boost ahead of Napoli’s upcoming matches.
Champions League test
Napoli return to action on Tuesday in a Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, where Conte will be hoping both Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay are fit enough to feature. With Inter Milan now applying pressure at the top of the table, the Napoli boss will be eager to get his star duo back in the lineup as the season intensifies.
The coming weeks will be a real test of Conte’s squad depth and management — but if Hojlund’s goals and McTominay’s presence return soon, Napoli could quickly reclaim their position as Serie A’s dominant force.
