Man United decided to cut their losses at let the striker leave on loan with an obligation to buy last summer.
Hojlund, 22, has managed to rediscover some form at Napoli, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in his 24 games across all competitions.
Speaking ahead of their Serie A clash with Parma on Wednesday (January 14), Conte appeared to aim a sly dig at Hojlund’s former club and manager.
"Rasmus is a player who has improved so much since he first arrived,” he said.
“He is 22 years old, we saw great potential in him, but inevitably these lads need to be coached by people who can improve them, teach them how to work for the team, the positioning, when to go towards the ball and when to attack the space.
"Our job is to keep improving all the players and make them better than when they first arrive."