A high-stakes match at the Maradona: we take a look at the data, statistics and individual trends to understand what to expect from the fascinating clash between the Azzurri and Viola

Napoli and Fiorentina face each other at a crucial point in the season, with both sides looking to boost themselves after a turbulent period. The Azzurri have not won in five matches and have drawn their last two in the league at the Maradona, but have scored in 12 consecutive games, the second longest streak after Juventus (14). Their performances against the big sides are a point of strength for Napoli: with 27 points gained in direct clashes against the top-ten. Conte’s side are the best in the league when it comes to this particular statistic. Fiorentina, however, are experiencing a complicated 2025, especially away from home as they have conceded goals in all of their last six outings, a stark contrast from the five clean-sheets they kept in their previous five away games. With the defeats against Inter and Hellas Verona, the Viola are at risk of losing three consecutive away games, something that is yet to happen this season.

From a tactical point of view, recent developments for the Azzurri have forced them to change from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 in light of their recent needs. Di Lorenzo, usually a right-back, has been deployed as a right-sided centre back, while Raspadori has played up top with Lukaku. With the absence of the dual attacking threat from the wingers, this change has allowed for McTominay to have more freedom, as he has proved fundamental in second-line attacks, while in the build-up phase, Lobotka has worked alongside Gilmour in a double pivot. Fiorentina have often played with a 4-2-3-1 formation, but in their recent Domestic and European matches the Viola have played with a back three with Gosens and Dodò playing as wing-backs, while one of Beltrán and Guðmundsson have played upfront with Kean. The likelihood of both sides lining up with similar formations opens up the chance for some interesting battles in midfield, where Napoli could once again rely on the Lobotka-Gilmour partnership to guarantee fluidity and numerical superiority against the partnership of Cataldi and Fagioli.

In terms of team statistics, Napoli stand out for their defensive solidity and ability to control games. Conte’s side have faced the fewest shots on target in Serie A (75), as well as allowing their opponents to have very few touches in the box (436, third behind Atalanta and Inter). As a result of conceding very little in their area, the Azzurri defence have been more susceptible to conceding long-shots, having already conceded eight goals from distance, a negative record currently shared with Verona. This statistic could favour Fiorentina, given that the Viola have already scored six goals from outside of the area during this season, with only Atalanta and Roma proving more lethal in this statistic. Going forward, Napoli have managed to take more shots than Fiorentina (360 compared to 321), but the Viola have been more efficient: with 13% conversion rate, and are currently third in this respect behind Atalanta (15%) and Inter (14%).  Another strong point for Palladino’s side comes from headed goals: in 2025, no other side has scored more aerial goals than Fiorentina (four), even though Napoli are still the only side to have not conceded a headed goal, and it won’t be easy to break this taboo. Both sides are more cautious when it comes to crosses: neither Napoli nor Fiorentina are in the top-10 when it comes to crosses completed in matches, as the Viola are 15th in the standings when it comes to this.

The long-distance battle between Lukaku and Kean, the two centre-forwards with similar numbers but different characteristics, is one of the focal points of the clash. The two strikers have contributed almost equally to both of their sides’ tallies, with 16 goal involvements from the Napoli player and 17 from the Fiorentina player. These figures stem from different qualities and types of roles played by the two players.
 

The Belgian is the focal-point of Conte’s attack, being decisive when it comes to finishing (second most assists in the league with seven key passes), as well as currently being on nine goals. Romelu hasn’t scored in five games, but remains a central element of the Napoli side with his movement, to allow for his teammates to have an effect on the game.

Kean, however, has found Firenze to be the ideal place to showcase his talent and has become the perfect finisher for Palladino’s style, with 15 goals in 24 appearances. The ex-Juventus player, additionally, has the most goals against teams in the top four but has not scored in six matches against Napoli. The shooting statistics show a different style: Lukaku has taken 32 shots, 17 of which have been on target, while Kean has shot many more times (62), with a 54.8% precision rate, placing him as one of the best shooters in the league.

The Italian forward’s repertoire is wider: eight goals with his right-foot, two with his left, three headers, a penalty and a goal on the counter-attack, showing his versatility in front of goal. Lukaku, however, has only scored in the penalty-area, five goals with his left-foot, one header and three penalties, statistics which show how he is the reference point for the Napoli attack.

The clash between Di Lorenzo and Dodò, two of the best right-sided full-backs in the league, adds another level of interest. The Napoli captain is the player who has played the most minutes in the league, with 2340 minutes, while the Brazilian is behind him having played 2315 minutes, being the most used player for Fiorentina. The full-back has already equalled his record number of assists in Serie A (three) and sets himself apart with his ability to put dangerous crosses into the area: with 24 crosses completed, he is one of the best defenders when it comes to this. The battle on the wing is a clash between defensive solidity and attacking drive. Di Lorenzo, in his new role as a third centre-back will be tasked primarily with defensive coverage, while Dodò will have greater license to deliver inviting balls to Kean, Beltrán and Gosens, in a classic wing-back to wing-back setup. 

(Photo Getty Images)

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