Napoli manager Antonio Conte has stepped up to defend Rasmus Hojlund as the Manchester United loanee endures a frustrating goal drought in Serie A.

Hojlund made a flying start to life in Naples after joining on a season-long loan last summer, following a challenging £72m move from Atalanta to Old Trafford. The 23-year-old Danish striker has netted 10 goals and added five assists in 31 league appearances—solid numbers that tell only part of the story.

But recent weeks have been tough. Monday's 3-2 defeat to Bologna marked Hojlund's sixth straight game without a goal, though he did set up Alisson Santos for Napoli's consolation strike. With the season winding down, the pressure is mounting—but Conte isn't panicking.

"Let's not forget that he's the only striker we have in the squad; he's always playing," Conte told DAZN. "This season, we should have had the opportunity to rest him and bring him on during the game. He has so much energy. There are times when you have to attack the depth and others when you have to protect the ball."

The passionate Italian boss added: "He has excellent qualities, he's only 23 and has significant room for improvement. We can't say anything about him at all."

Napoli currently sit second in Serie A, three points clear of AC Milan in the final Champions League qualification spot. Sunday's clash with bottom-placed Pisa Sporting Club is a must-win—not just for pride, but for Hojlund's future. Napoli's obligation to make his loan permanent hinges on securing a top-four finish, though the club has already signaled its desire to keep him regardless of Champions League qualification.