Allegri sees Napoli striker Hojlund as 'very close to Kane'

Massimiliano Allegri believes Rasmus Hojlund is "very close to Harry Kane", though admitted the Napoli striker has "big room for improvement".

Hojlund joined Napoli on a permanent deal this summer, reportedly worth €44m (£38m), after enjoying a positive loan spell with the Partenopei last season.

The 23-year-old scored 16 goals and provided six assists across 44 appearances in 2025-26, with Napoli finishing second in Serie A while winning the Supercoppa Italiana.

However, the striker struggled in Napoli's league opener on Saturday, when they defeated Genoa 2-0.

Hojlund did not register a single shot before being replaced in the 78th minute, though he did win four of his seven duels and create one chance for his team-mates.

While he still has a lot to improve upon, Allegri compared Hojlund to Ballon d'Or contender Kane, who helped Bayern Munich win the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup last weekend.

"Hojlund has significant margins for growth, that's clear," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

"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.

"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 became the first Napoli manager to have also played for the club in Serie A since the three-points-per-win era began (from 1994-95; he made seven appearances for the club between December 1997 and February 1998).

The Italian coach noticed plenty of differences between his two spells at Napoli, who have won two Serie A titles in recent years.

"Naples is totally different to thirty years ago as a city," added Allegri. "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."