Atalanta’s breakout star Rasmus Hojlund had a dream first start with Denmark, scoring a hattrick in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland.
The 20-year-old forward made his debut for his national team in September of last year, making two substitute appearances in a loss to Croatia and win over France in the Nations League.
Hojlund has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Serie A following his €17.2m move from Sturm Graz to Atalanta last summer, scoring seven goals in his first 23 league appearances for the club, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
The Atalanta forward made his first start for Denmark in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland on Thursday and he did not disappoint, scoring three times to secure the win.
Hojlund’s first goal came after 21 minutes, a close-range strike that showed off his smart off-the-ball movement in the penalty area. He doubled his tally in the 82nd minute, putting Denmark 2-1 up with a leaping header following a corner.
In the dying minutes of the match, Hojlund secured his hattrick with a mature effort from less than 10 yards out, calmly controlling the ball before slotting it past Finland’s Lukas Hradecky.