SOCCER: Hojlund helps Napoli sink Milan to reach Italian Super Cup final in Riyadh

RIYADH – Napoli’s Rasmus Hojlund delivered a decisive performance as the Dane helped his side defeat Italian Super Cup holders AC Milan 2-0 in the semifinals on Thursday, setting up one goal in the first half before scoring himself after the break to send their opponents home.

Napoli will face the winners of Friday’s second semifinal between Inter Milan and Bologna in Monday’s final.

The match at King Saud University Stadium began at a cautious pace, with both sides taking time to find their rhythm.

David Neres opened the scoring in the 39th minute, tapping in at the back post after Hojlund surged down the left flank and cut the ball back. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan got only his fingertips to the pass, diverting it into Neres’ path.

Hojlund effectively sealed the victory in the 64th minute, forcing his way into the penalty area under pressure from defender Koni De Winter near the byline before firing a shot from a tight angle that wrong-footed Maignan and found the far corner to double Napoli’s lead.

The tempo dropped in the closing stages as both teams waited for counterattacking opportunities. Hojlund was substituted late on and received a hug from Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku, who was an unused substitute as he continues his return from an injury that has sidelined him since August. --Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters