Statistics and insights ahead of the trip to Venezia
Separated by around 250 kilometres, over an eight-hour journey and just three points in the standings, Napoli, Atalanta and Inter are set to play a pivotal role on Sunday in one of the most thrilling Serie A title races in the last 30 years. This will be only the second time in the three-points-per-win era that the top three teams will enter Week 29 separated by just three points, for the first time since 2021/22. At 12:30 CET, Antonio Conte’s side will take to the pitch at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, where they will face a Venezia team desperate for points in their bid for survival. Despite the 41-point gap between the two sides, Napoli cannot afford to take this trip lightly. The hosts will fight to the very end to retain their Serie A status and history suggests they are never easy opponents for the Azzurri in Venice. Venezia have avoided defeat in five of the seven top-flight meetings between the two teams at home (W2 D3). Furthermore, recent results have provided a confidence boost for Eusebio Di Francesco’s team. They have drawn with Lazio, Atalanta and Como in their last three league matches, conceding just one goal in the process, and could go unbeaten in four consecutive Serie A games for the first time since March-April 2000 (W1 D3).
A compact, defensive team. Napoli’s counter-pressing could be the key
Venezia are a side built on defensive solidity, operating with a deep defensive line (averaging 49.3 metres) and keeping tight distances between their units (33.8 metres). They tend to protect their penalty area by allowing their opponents to dominate possession, as shown by their average possession rate of 44%. Most of their recoveries come in their own defensive third (528), the fifth-highest tally in Serie A this season, accounting for 50% of all recoveries by outfield players. With limited space to exploit, breaking Venezia down in one-on-one situations has proven difficult. Only Lecce (224) and Como (220) have been dribbled past fewer times than Venezia (215) this campaign.
However, once Venezia regain possession, they often struggle to transition into attack, which could play into Napoli’s hands. Antonio Conte’s side thrive on high pressing and counter-pressing. Napoli have attempted the most shots in Serie A following ball recoveries within 40 metres of the opposition goal (39), converting six into goals, a joint league-high alongside Inter. Only Como (217) have faced more turnovers in their defensive third than Venezia (212).
Nicolussi Caviglia’s vision and Oristanio’s unpredictable nature
The creative hub of Venezia’s play is undoubtedly Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, who is instrumental in their attacking play. He ranks second among his team-mates for touches this season (1,293), trailing only Jay Idzes (1,644). The midfielder’s set-piece prowess has been particularly impressive, with Venezia scoring 61% of their league goals (14 out of 23) from dead-ball situations, the highest percentage in Serie A. Four of Nicolussi Caviglia’s six goal involvements this season have come from set pieces, with two assists (one from a corner, one from a free kick) and two goals from free kicks. No player in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more. Nicolussi Caviglia is also Venezia’s most productive player in front of goal this season (six goal contributions: four goals and two assists). Right behind him is Gaetano Oristanio (five: two goals and three assists), who will be a key threat to Napoli’s defence. The 2002-born playmaker is the most successful Italian dribbler in Serie A this season, completing 48 dribbles, a tally bettered only by Rafael Leão with 50 and Nico Paz with 57. Oristanio has also created the most chances for his team-mates, producing 31 key passes, at least ten more than any other player in the squad. He leads the team in assists with three and has attempted more shots (34) than any other Venezia player this season.
Article by the Opta editorial team
