Rasmus Hojlund singled out as furious Antonio Conte tears into Napoli team

Antonio Conte blasted his Napoli side following defeat to Bologna but singled out on loan Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund for some praise after watching his team lose 2-0 in Serie A.

Thijs Dallinga and Jhon Lucumi earned three points for Bologna, though they remain one point behind Napoli, who are fourth in the league. The Italian champions are still just two points off the summit in the top-flight but have recorded three defeats in the division already, one fewer than all of last season.

Conte, 56, has been frustrated with Napoli this season and has lambasted his team's desire and lack of chemistry, but also admitted his own contributions to his side's struggles.

"We needed more energy in everything. What’s disappointing is that they showed more positivity and desire than us," he told DAZN.

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"It should make us reflect. It’s the fifth defeat we’ve suffered this start of the year. It means we need to reflect, which we’ve already done."

"Three or four months have passed and there’s no chemistry, no desire to fight together. I don’t know if we’ll be able to change the situation," he continued. "I don’t want to be with a deceased person; everyone has to take responsibility.

"I’m the first to be held accountable. Heart transplants aren’t an option. Each of us needs to rediscover our spirit and our grit.

"We often think that change can happen overnight. What we’ve done shouldn’t be forgotten, but we need to keep working. We need to ask ourselves if we’re doing it the right way and with the same desire for revenge as last season. I’m disappointed because I’m not finding the energy in the guys again; it means I’m not doing a good job."

Hojlund, who has four goals in 10 matches, failed to get on the scoresheet against Bologna. However, Conte had some kind words for his striker.

"Honestly, I didn’t mind it," said Conte. "Perhaps he was the best player on the pitch for me: he held his own, he attacked the depth. Lucumi struggled to control him.

"Then, if we end the match on whether or not he scored, then it’s a different story. We had prepared a few things, we should have supported him more. Rasmus handled several balls, we were lacking. I thought his game was good."