Antonio Conte has thrown his full support behind Rasmus Hojlund, insisting the young striker still has "margin for improvement" as Napoli push to secure Champions League football—a feat that would automatically trigger the Dane's permanent transfer from Manchester United.

The Partenopei suffered a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Bologna on Monday, missing the chance to mathematically lock in a top-four finish with two games remaining. Hojlund started but failed to find the back of the net, yet Conte was quick to defend the 23-year-old loanee.

"Let us not forget, he is the only striker we've got in the squad right now, so he's playing constantly," Conte said after the match. "I wish I had the chance to give him some rest. He's young, has a lot of energy, and there are moments when you need to attack the space, others when you hold up the ball. He is only 23, works hard for the team and has margin for improvement."

Hojlund has notched 14 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season—a respectable tally for a player still finding his feet in Serie A. Currently on loan from Manchester United, Napoli have an option to make the move permanent for €44 million, but that option becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League.

Despite Monday's setback, Napoli remain well-positioned to secure a top-four finish. They sit second in the table, three points clear of Roma and AC Milan, who are level on 67 points in fourth. With just two games left, every point counts.

Napoli director Giovanni Manna has repeatedly stated that the club intends to make Hojlund's move permanent this summer regardless of Champions League qualification—a vote of confidence in the striker's potential. Next weekend, the Partenopei travel to already-relegated Pisa before wrapping up their campaign at home against Udinese on the weekend of May 24.

For now, all eyes are on Hojlund as he continues to develop under Conte's guidance, with both the player and his manager believing the best is yet to come.