Rasmus Hojlund returns to Florence with the memory of a first afternoon that announced him quickly to Napoli. At the Franchi on 13 September 2025, only days after joining on deadline day, the Danish forward needed 14 minutes to score on his debut.
Hojlund returns to Florence as Napoli seek their way back
SEO title: Rasmus Hojlund back in Florence as Napoli look to their striker
SEO description: Rasmus Hojlund returns to the Franchi, where his rapid Napoli debut began, with goals needed in Serie A and Europe.
That appearance came unusually soon for a player arriving so late in the window. Hojlund signed, completed his presentation against the backdrop of the Gulf of Naples, then left immediately for international duty before reporting back to his new club.
Antonio Conte nevertheless selected him after only limited work with the squad. Hojlund marked the decision with a forceful run beyond the defence, holding off a recovering opponent and placing his finish into the far corner.
Among Napoli’s leading forwards of the Aurelio De Laurentiis era, including Edinson Cavani, Gonzalo Higuain and Dries Mertens, none had scored their first goal for the club more quickly. The Franchi also gave the visiting striker warm applause when he was substituted, recognition for a display that included link play and relentless pressing as well as the goal.
Quick facts
- Hojlund made his Napoli debut in Florence on 13 September 2025.
- He scored after 14 minutes, having arrived on the final day of the transfer window.
- He has two Serie A goals in four matches this season.
- Those league goals came in defeats against Como and Inter.
- CIES values the Denmark international between €107 million and €124 million, ranking him ninth worldwide.
His opening weeks this season have broadly matched expectations, though Napoli’s results have made the return to Florence more significant. His two league goals have not prevented losses to Como and Inter, while the Champions League brought a demanding, difficult evening against Arsenal.
The next European meeting with Villarreal offers a more immediate opportunity to make an impact. Hojlund has shown before that continental football can bring out his decisive side: at Manchester United he scored five times in six Champions League matches during 2023-24.
Last season, he was Napoli’s only scorer in Europe apart from Scott McTominay. He delivered three goals, including a match-winning double against Sporting in Napoli’s first European home tie at the Maradona.
Conte had already identified the scale of the forward’s potential, saying Hojlund could become an outstanding player. The CIES valuation places him behind only eight players in a list led by Lamine Yamal, with Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior also ahead of him.
Massimiliano Allegri had wanted Hojlund at Milan last year and now has him at Napoli. The coach is seeking a more direct version of the striker: one who attacks space more frequently, keeps his attention on goal and is increasingly willing to shoot from distance.
Both goals against Como and Inter came from outside the penalty area, after Hojlund worked the ball onto his left foot. Allegri’s evolving attacking approach is also tied to the hope that Kevin De Bruyne can reach his best level and give the Danish forward more regular service.
Hojlund finished the previous league season with 12 goals, his personal best and only the second double-figure league campaign of his career. It remains a platform rather than a final destination for a striker who wants to compete higher in the scoring standings.
Napoli’s recovery will depend in part on whether he can turn performances into goals in matches that shape the season. Florence is where his Napoli story accelerated; it is now the place where another important chapter can begin.
