Rasmus Højlund steals the show with a commanding brace as Napoli cruise past Cremonese away from home, securing a clean and convincing victory.
Napoli returned to winning form on the road with a professional 2-0 victory over Cremonese, powered almost entirely by a dominant performance from Rasmus Højlund. Antonio Conte’s side were clinical when it mattered, while the hosts struggled to cope with the Danish striker’s physicality and movement throughout the match.
Cremonese actually created the first real chance of the game, with Terracciano trying his luck from distance, only to be denied by Milinković-Savić. Napoli responded immediately and struck at the first true opportunity in the 13th minute. Spinazzola’s shot was deflected inside the box, and Højlund reacted quickest, tapping into an open net to give the visitors the lead.
The hosts attempted to respond and went close through Bianchetti, whose volley flew just over the bar. Højlund, however, remained a constant menace. First he was denied by a timely Audero intervention when sent through by Politano, then he skipped past Baschirotto with ease before overrunning the ball at the crucial moment.
Napoli doubled their advantage before halftime, once again through Højlund. A cross from Politano sparked chaos in the box, and after a ricochet the striker was perfectly positioned to finish from close range and complete his brace.
The second half followed the same script. Højlund continued to torment the Cremonese defense, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick when set up by McTominay, finding only the side netting. Napoli pushed for a third goal, coming close through an awkward Terracciano touch that nearly resulted in an own goal.
Cremonese tried to respond with a headed effort from Vardy, ruled out for offside, while Rrahmani went close for Napoli from a corner. Late chances fell to Højlund—who blazed over under pressure—and McTominay, denied by an excellent Audero save.
The final whistle confirmed a deserved away win for Napoli, built on Højlund’s outstanding display. Cremonese showed effort but were ultimately outmatched by Conte’s more efficient and physically dominant side.
Match Report
Cremonese 0-2 Napoli
Goals:
13’ Højlund (N), 46’ Højlund (N)
Cremonese (3-5-2):
Audero; Terracciano (77’ Bonazzoli), Baschirotto, Bianchetti; Barbieri (60’ Johnsen), Grassi (77’ Bondo), Payero, Zerbin, Pezzella; Vardy, Sanabria (60’ Moumbagna).
Coach: Nicola.
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Politano (88’ Mazzocchi), Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola (46’ Gutiérrez); Neres (73’ Buongiorno), Elmas (51’ Lang); Højlund (88’ Lucca).
Coach: Conte.
Referee: Mariani
Yellow cards: Barbieri, Bonazzoli (Cremonese); McTominay, Juan Jesus (Napoli)
Red cards: None
