Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund joined Napoli on a season-long loan last month.
The Italian giants will have to sign him permanently for €44 million (£38m) if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Expectations are high for Hojlund, with their main centre-forward Romelu Lukaku out injured.
Napoli clashed with Pisa in Serie A on Monday, registering a 3-2 win and moving to the top of the league table.
Eyes were on Hojlund, who was spearheading their attack, but he failed to stamp his authority on the contest.
He played for 78 minutes but had only 17 touches of the ball.
His only effort on goal was comfortably blocked, and he touched the ball just twice inside the opposition box.
Much like during his Premier League struggles, Hojlund was physically outmuscled by defenders, exposing one of his most glaring weaknesses.
He did win four of his seven duels, but such numbers looked underwhelming against a side languishing 19th in the league.
The Denmark international also failed to create any chances and made no defensive contributions.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte will demand far more from his frontline spearhead if they are to sustain a title challenge.
Hojlund produced a modest return of 26 goals in 95 games for the Red Devils.
Should these uninspiring performances continue in Italy, United may feel vindicated in swapping him for Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian has yet to score at Old Trafford, but his promising flashes have already lifted optimism among the United faithful.
Stats from Fotmob.com
