Allegri likens Hojlund to Kane as striker's Napoli start draws mixed reviews

Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri has drawn a bold comparison between his new permanent signing Rasmus Hojlund and Ballon d'Or contender Harry Kane, while insisting the 23-year-old Dane still has "big room for improvement".

Hojlund joined the Partenopei permanently this summer in a deal reported to be worth around €44m (£38m), following a productive loan spell that saw him score 16 goals and provide six assists in 44 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. Napoli finished second in Serie A and lifted the Supercoppa Italiana during that time.

However, the forward endured a quiet outing in Napoli's league opener on Saturday, a 2-0 victory over Genoa. Hojlund failed to register a single shot before being substituted in the 78th minute, though he did win four of his seven duels and create one chance for his team-mates.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Allegri drew a striking parallel between Hojlund and Kane, who helped Bayern Munich win the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup last weekend.

"Hojlund has significant margins for growth, that's clear. In terms of characteristics, I see him as very close to Harry Kane. They're two powerful players who break away, who have physicality and know how to trade shoulder charges with defenders."

The Napoli boss was clear about where the young striker must improve most, however.

"I think Hojlund still has big room for improvement, and he has to want it above all in the finishing phase, which is what makes the difference."

Allegri's appointment has made him the first Napoli manager to have previously played for the club in Serie A since the three-points-per-win era began in 1994-95, having made seven appearances for the club between December 1997 and February 1998. The coach reflected on how much the club and city have transformed since his playing days.

"Naples is totally different to thirty years ago as a city. It was wonderful then, and now it's become even more so. With a passionate public and fans, with a club that in fifteen years has navigated steadily between the Europa League and the Champions League, also winning two Scudetti. It's a place that has grown enormously, and you feel it."