Napoli 1-0 Udinese: De Bruyne Creates, Hojlund Finishes as Napoli Secure Second Place

Kevin De Bruyne changes the game after an early substitution, assisting Rasmus Hojlund for the winner as Napoli close the season with a victory at the Maradona

Napoli secured second place in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 victory over Udinese at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, ending their campaign on a positive note despite fresh injury concerns.

The decisive moment came midway through the first half when Kevin De Bruyne, introduced early after an injury to Alisson Santos, delivered a perfectly weighted pass for Rasmus Hojlund, who finished clinically across goal for the only score of the match.

The win ensured Antonio Conte’s side finished behind Inter in the final standings, while Udinese closed their season with a defeat that does little to overshadow the progress shown under Kosta Runjaic.

Napoli suffered an immediate setback just minutes into the match when Alisson Santos was forced off with a muscular issue. Conte turned to De Bruyne, and the Belgian midfielder instantly transformed the rhythm of the game with his creativity and passing range.

In the 24th minute, De Bruyne split the Udinese defense with a superb through ball that Hojlund controlled before driving a precise finish into the far corner for his latest goal of the season.

The pace of the match reflected the limited stakes in the standings, but Napoli remained comfortably in control for most of the afternoon. Udinese threatened only occasionally, with Karlstrom testing Alex Meret from distance in one of the visitors’ few meaningful chances.

Napoli’s afternoon was complicated further before halftime when Stanislav Lobotka also left the field injured, forcing another change in midfield.

Udinese’s hopes of mounting a comeback faded in the second half after Christian Kabasele was sent off in the 64th minute. Initially shown a yellow card for kicking Hojlund during a challenge, the defender saw his punishment upgraded to a red after a VAR review and an on-field check by referee Zanotti.

From that point on, the game slowed considerably. Napoli controlled possession without pushing aggressively for a second goal, while Udinese struggled to create danger despite late substitutions.

Conte also gave reserve goalkeeper Nikita Contini his first appearance of the season in the closing stages, adding a final symbolic touch to Napoli’s campaign.

Match Report