Cremonese 0-2 Napoli Highlights: Hojlund's First-Half Brace Seals Convincing Win for Partenopei.
In a dominant display at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in Cremona on December 28, 2025, SSC Napoli ended the calendar year on a high note with a 2-0 victory over US Cremonese, courtesy of a clinical first-half brace from Rasmus Højlund.
The Danish striker, thriving since his loan move from Manchester United, struck in the 13th and 45th minutes to secure three vital points, lifting Antonio Conte's side to second place in Serie A with 34 points – just one behind leaders AC Milan – and maintaining intense pressure on rivals Inter Milan ahead of their late kick-off.
The historic Stadio Giovanni Zini, home to Cremonese and featuring veteran striker Jamie Vardy up front, provided a challenging away atmosphere, but Napoli's superior quality shone through in a controlled performance fresh off their Italian Super Cup triumph.
The historic Stadio Giovanni Zini, home to Cremonese and featuring veteran striker Jamie Vardy up front, provided a challenging away atmosphere, but Napoli's superior quality shone through in a controlled performance fresh off their Italian Super Cup triumph.
Pre-Match Context and Team News
Napoli arrived buoyed by their midweek Super Cup success against Bologna in Saudi Arabia but smarting from a recent league defeat to Udinese that cost them top spot. Manager Antonio Conte fielded a strong lineup, with Højlund leading the attack supported by creative forces like Matteo Politano and Scott McTominay.
Cremonese, mid-table and featuring the evergreen Jamie Vardy alongside Antonio Sanabria, aimed to frustrate the champions but struggled for fluidity. Cremonese Starting XI: Emil Audero; Filippo Terracciano, Federico Baschirotto, Matteo Bianchetti; Tommaso Barbieri, Alberto Grassi, Martín Payero, Alessio Zerbin (on loan from Napoli), Giuseppe Pezzella; Jamie Vardy (c), Antonio Sanabria.
Napoli Starting XI: Vanja Milinković-Savić; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola; Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa; Matteo Politano, Rasmus Højlund, David Neres/Noa Lang. Referee: Maurizio Mariani.
First Half: Højlund's Clinical Finishing Decides the Contest
Napoli asserted early dominance, probing with patient possession and quick transitions. The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute: Leonardo Spinazzola's powerful shot from the edge of the box was blocked, but the ball fell kindly to Rasmus Højlund, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range – his fifth Serie A goal of the season.
Cremonese responded with sporadic threats, including a Matteo Bianchetti half-volley sailing just over, but Napoli remained composed. Højlund nearly added a second in the 35th minute, breaking clear from a long Milinković-Savić clearance only for a heavy touch to allow Audero to smother.
As halftime approached, Napoli doubled their lead in the 45th minute. Matteo Politano's dangerous cross caused chaos in the box, with Alessio Zerbin diverting it straight to Højlund, who calmly poked home from eight yards – assisted indirectly by Scott McTominay's presence.
Halftime: Cremonese 0-2 Napoli.
Second Half: Napoli Manage Game Professionally
Conte's men emerged conservatively, prioritizing control over risk. Højlund spurned a hat-trick opportunity early in the half, firing over after McTominay's shot was parried into his path – with teammate Noa Lang also challenging for the rebound.
Cremonese pushed for a lifeline but lacked penetration, with Vardy isolated. Scott McTominay forced a late save from Audero, but Napoli's defense – marshaled by Rrahmani – held firm for a third consecutive clean sheet across competitions.
Substitutions included Lorenzo Lucca for Højlund late on, preserving the striker amid growing fatigue.
Fulltime: Cremonese 0-2 Napoli.
Key Stats: Cremonese 47.8% possession, 4 shots (2 on target); Napoli 52.2% possession, 10 shots (3 on target). xG: Cremonese 0.51, Napoli 2.59.
As halftime approached, Napoli doubled their lead in the 45th minute. Matteo Politano's dangerous cross caused chaos in the box, with Alessio Zerbin diverting it straight to Højlund, who calmly poked home from eight yards – assisted indirectly by Scott McTominay's presence.
Halftime: Cremonese 0-2 Napoli.
Second Half: Napoli Manage Game Professionally
Conte's men emerged conservatively, prioritizing control over risk. Højlund spurned a hat-trick opportunity early in the half, firing over after McTominay's shot was parried into his path – with teammate Noa Lang also challenging for the rebound.
Cremonese pushed for a lifeline but lacked penetration, with Vardy isolated. Scott McTominay forced a late save from Audero, but Napoli's defense – marshaled by Rrahmani – held firm for a third consecutive clean sheet across competitions.
Substitutions included Lorenzo Lucca for Højlund late on, preserving the striker amid growing fatigue.
Fulltime: Cremonese 0-2 Napoli.
Key Stats: Cremonese 47.8% possession, 4 shots (2 on target); Napoli 52.2% possession, 10 shots (3 on target). xG: Cremonese 0.51, Napoli 2.59.
Key Moments and Milestones
13': Højlund pounces on blocked Spinazzola shot for opener.
45': Politano cross diverted to Højlund for clinical finish.
Missed chances: Højlund one-on-one denied; McTominay late effort saved.
Højlund: Sixth Serie A goal (surpassing last season's four in 32 PL games for Man Utd); all-competitions tally reaches nine.
Napoli: Bounce back strongly post-Udinese loss; end 2025 second in table.
Post-Match Reactions
Rasmus Højlund (Player of the Match): "I'm getting better every season. These goals with my weaker foot don't happen often! Happy to help the team – we're in a great position."
Antonio Conte: "A professional performance after the Super Cup. Rasmus is growing immensely; his movement and finishing were excellent. We controlled the game and deserved the win."
Cremonese boss reflected on defensive lapses but praised effort against the champions.
League Implications and What's Next
This victory caps a transformative half-season for Højlund in Italy, outscoring his entire previous Premier League campaign in far fewer games. Napoli's title defense remains firmly on track, with depth and tactical discipline under Conte shining.
Cremonese stay mid-table but winless in three, highlighting need for January reinforcements.
Next: Serie A resumes in early January 2026, with Napoli hosting a key fixture as the Scudetto race intensifies.
This encounter underscored Napoli's resurgence: clinical finishing from Højlund, midfield dominance, and defensive solidity propelling them into 2026 as genuine contenders.
All Tournaments | Standings | Schedule | Tournament Statistics Serie A title battle heats up; full tables, fixtures, and stats on official platforms. CREMONESE VS NAPOLI – Højlund's masterclass ends 2025 perfectly for the champions.
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