Napoli vs Bologna — Serie A

**Napoli 2-3 Bologna**

**Playing Style:** Napoli dominated possession (52% vs 48%) and had a higher volume of shots (14 vs 10), with more of those shots on target (5 vs 4). They were more effective in progressing the ball into dangerous areas, with a higher rate of passes in the opponent half leading to box touches (13 vs 6). Their attacking approach was more direct, with more shots inside the box (11 vs 5) and a higher share of shots inside the box (79 vs 50). Bologna, on the other hand, played a more compact and disciplined defensive game, with a higher rate of converting box entries into shots (91 vs 56). They were more efficient in defensive actions, with more successful tackles (16 vs 7), interceptions (9 vs 7), and clearances (24 vs 8). Their pressing and counter-attacking were more effective, with more duels won (41 vs 26), aerial duels won (11 vs 6), and ground duels won (30 vs 20).

**Strengths and Weaknesses:** Napoli’s strengths lay in their possession-based play, with a higher number of shots and a more effective progression into the box. However, they struggled in front of goal, converting only half of their big chances (1/2) compared to Bologna’s perfect conversion rate (1/1). Their high number of offside situations (4 vs 0) also suggests a lack of precision in attacking movements. Bologna’s strengths were in their defensive organization and efficiency, with more successful tackles, duels won, and defensive actions per shot faced. They were also more clinical in their limited chances, converting all of their big chances. However, they had fewer shots overall and were less effective in possession-based play, with fewer passes in the opponent half and lower shot on target percentage (40 vs 36).

**Conclusion:** Despite Napoli’s dominance in possession and shot volume, Bologna’s efficiency in converting limited opportunities led to the 2-3 result. Bologna’s higher conversion rate of big chances (100% vs 50%) and superior defensive actions (53 vs 23) were key factors in their victory. Napoli created more chances and had more shots on target, but their poor finishing and higher number of offside situations limited their effectiveness. Bologna’s disciplined and compact play allowed them to neutralize Napoli’s attacking threat and capitalize on their few clear chances. The result reflects Bologna’s ability to win games through efficiency and defensive resilience, while Napoli’s performance highlights the need for better finishing and more precise attacking movements.