Como vs Napoli — Serie A

**Como 0-0 Napoli**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart (82% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking deviation was in territorial control, where Como made 198 more passes in the opponent's half than Napoli (Como 292, Napoli 94), a gap at the 94th percentile of gaps. Defending also showed a distinct split: there were few interceptions in the match (9 in total, 2nd percentile of the two teams' joint volume), but Como made 5 more than Napoli (Como 7, Napoli 2), a gap at the 86th percentile of gaps.

**How it played out:** Both sides opted for a patient approach from the back, completing a high volume of passes in their own half (407 in total, 83rd percentile of the two teams' joint volume), with Napoli making 59 more than Como (Napoli 233, Como 174, 75th percentile of gaps). Direct play was avoided as both teams recorded few accurate long balls (42 in total, 17th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). The attacking play relied on the flanks, with both sides recording a high volume of accurate crosses (9 in total, 75th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). Despite the lack of sustained pressure near the goal, evidenced by few corners in the match (5 in total, 21st percentile of the two teams' joint volume), both teams were under pressure, recording a high volume of blocked shots (7 in total, 81st percentile of the two teams' joint volume) and few clearances (22 in total, 13th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). In the air, few aerial duels were won in the match (17 in total, 10th percentile of the two teams' joint volume), but Como made 5 more than Napoli (Como 11, Napoli 6), a gap at the 80th percentile of gaps. Finally, there were few shots on target in the match, but Como was clearly ahead (Como 5, Napoli 1).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Como win 67%, draw 29%, and Napoli win 4%. The performances leaned towards a Como win, but the actual result was far from unlikely. This is reflected in the fact that Como had 5 shots on target to Napoli's 1.