Napoli returned to winning ways away from home as a brace from Rasmus Højlund secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cremonese at the Stadio Zini on matchday 17 of the Serie A season.
After an early period of tactical probing, the Partenopei broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Højlund showed sharp striker instincts inside the box, reacting quickest to a ricochet from Leonardo Spinazzola’s effort to tap into an unguarded net.
Cremonese attempted to respond, but Napoli quickly asserted control, dominating possession and creating a series of clear-cut chances. The Danish forward was a constant threat and doubled the visitors’ advantage before the interval, cleverly losing his marker Federico Baschirotto before finishing clinically to cap a commanding first-half display.
The hosts emerged with renewed intent after the break, pushing forward in search of a route back into the contest. However, Antonio Conte’s side remained compact and disciplined at the back, limiting opportunities for Jamie Vardy and Antonio Sanabria.
Napoli continued to look dangerous on the counter and went close to adding a third goal on several occasions, with Højlund and Scott McTominay both denied as the visitors threatened to extend their lead.
In the end, Napoli saw out the closing stages comfortably to claim three valuable points, maintaining their momentum after Supercoppa success and keeping pace with leaders Milan while awaiting Inter’s result.
For Cremonese, the defeat does little to damage their campaign, with the Grigiorossi remaining in 12th place despite the setback.
