Naples: Why Hojlund Couldn’t Play Against Juventus

Napoli had to do without Rasmus Hojlund during their match against Juventus on Matchday 10 of Serie A: the Danish forward was forced to sit out due to mild flu-like symptoms and remained at the hotel as a precaution. Lorenzo Lucca played in his place but failed to shine.

Milinkovic-Savic was also sidelined due to muscle fatigue. Allegri’s team lost 2-0 to the Bianconeri, with Alajbegovic and Boga scoring in the second half.

The match at Allianz Stadium—a rescheduled game from Matchday 10—pitted two teams tied at 14 points against each other, both seven points behind the Champions League spots. Allegri, who was suspended, watched the match from the stands, while assistant coach Marco Landucci was on the bench giving instructions. On the other side, Luciano Spalletti—coming off a 2-0 loss in Genoa against Genoa and with his job on the line—opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Woltemade, Kolo Muani, and Alajbegovic up front.

Lucca, deployed as the center forward with Politano and Lang on either side, had the first big chance of the match in the 7th minute: a header from close range, but Vicario’s save denied the Azzurri the lead. In the first half, Lang also fired over the bar from close range, while at the other end, Cabal hit the post and Alajbegovic was denied by a quick save from Meret. After two minutes of stoppage time, the score was still 0-0.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute, when Alajbegovic found space for a powerful and precise left-footed shot from distance that found the back of the net, leaving Meret with no chance. Immediately afterward, Spalletti brought on Kelly and Boga in place of Lucumì and Alajbegovic himself, who was embraced by the coach before leaving the field. Napoli, already down to ten men after Marianucci received his second yellow card (having been booked once in the 37th minute for dangerous play), was unable to respond and conceded a second goal to Boga, again on a shot from distance.