While this season is rapidly developing into an unpredictable and tumultuous one for many, the sustained and impressive progress of SSC Napoli stands in stark contrast to the usual status quo beneath the shadow of Vesuvius. Their outstanding forward trio of Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamšík and Ezequiel Lavezzi have continued to attract the headlines as regularly as they score goals, the midfield is better than ever since the arrival of Gökhan Inler and their unheralded but no less vital defensive unit frustrates many of Italian footballs best attacking sides.
The Partenopei have, in the space of five years, gone from struggling in Serie B to holding their own against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. That they do so whilst being one of an extremely small minority of clubs who turn a profit every year only makes their achievements on the field even more impressive. They currently sit in fifth place despite their tough looking fixture list which, at the time it was announced, was the cause of the now infamous Aurelio De Laurentiis scooter escape.
Already boasting domestic wins over both Milan and Inter - as well as a draw away to Manchester City and victory over Villarreal in the Champions League - Napoli are now considered part of Calcio's elite rather than a feisty underdog. That top-billing is something they perhaps never enjoyed even during the incredible days Diego Maradona spent thrilling the San Paolo but, given their sound financial state, could easily continue for a sustained period, especially as other clubs feel UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations start to bite.
Thanks to their counter-attacking style they are only ranked fifth for time in possession across the league, yet lead Serie A for the fewest number of players caught offside. Looking closer at their stats reveals a surprising and contradictory pair of numbers; whilst winning the fewest percentage of aerial duels in the league (a meagre 41%), they somehow lead Serie A in scoring from set-piece situations with four goals.
A further surprise has been the performances of Hugo Campagnaro, the defender putting on a string of superb displays despite suffering serious injury in a car accident this past summer in his native Argentina. As well as registering two goals and an assist he has completed 82% of his passes, made 5.4 tackles, 6.2 clearances and 2.6 interceptions per game, making him a vital part of Walter Mazzarri's team.
Seeing the plaudits heaped upon Napoli, their rivals this coming weekend - Sardinian side Cagliari - could be forgiven for being slightly indignant given that they sit one point and two places above them in the table, their own superb early season form seeing them into an unexpected third place. Sacking Roberto Donadoni on the eve of the season after he led them impressively last term was initially viewed as senseless but his replacement, Massimo Ficcadenti, has enjoyed a great start, losing just once in the opening six matches.
The fixture list is viewed as perhaps their biggest asset to date however as, besides that defeat - to Palermo - they have only beaten Lecce and Novara whilst being held to draws against Udinese and Siena. Yet they also recorded an opening day victory over Roma, thanks yet again to a goal from Daniele Conti, son of Giallorossi legend Bruno.
Now 32 years old, the midfielder has been perhaps the most important player for the Isolani this term, adding another goal and an assist to his Stadio Olimpico winner, whilst also completing 84% of his passes. Yet he never shirks his defensive responsibility; he has also recorded 3.4 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game.
While their styles and expectations could not be more different, the two teams are incredibly close in many statistical categories, averaging identical figures for shots (13 per game), yellow cards (13), throw ins, dribbles (7), corners and pass completion percentage (81%). As a result the game may be much closer than it first appears, all of which should make Sunday's encounter at the Stadio Sant'Elia one not to miss.
