Three wins, two draws and a loss. Both Napoli and Sassuolo come into their clash at the Stadio San Paolo on the back of the same run of form, in what looks to be a very intriguing challenge on paper, as two teams with a penchant for attacking, possession-based football. One need only consider the fact that the Azzurri and Neroverdi are, respectively, first and third in the ranking for overall passes made throughout the season, and Napoli are joint-first (level with Juventus) in passing accuracy, with Sassuolo in a close second.

For the statistical head-to-head of matchday 36, using statistics that are freely available on the dedicated section of the Figc.it website, we compare the stats of the leading lights of these two clubs, Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi.

Napoli captain Insigne has made 34 appearances in Serie A, playing a total of 2,556 minutes, starting 31 times and coming on as a substitute 15 times. Berardi, on the other hand, has made 28 appearances, starting 26, with a total of 2,243 minutes on the pitch this season.

Napoli’s game truly revolves around Insigne, with 1,266 completed passes this season and 85.1% accuracy (77.8% if you consider only those in the offensive half). Berardi is less effective: overall, his passing accuracy sits at 78.6%, but the figure drops to just 67.7% for passes made in his opponent’s half. Insigne also comes out on top when it comes to dribbling, with 51 to Berardi’s 38.

However, the Sassuolo man has a better record when it comes to duels won (15 to Insigne’s 13), and he has made 25 clearances to Conte’s two. He has also made more interceptions than the Napoli captain (30 to 26). Berardi has made many more fouls than his rival (52 to seven), and has been given five yellow cards this season, compared to Insigne's one.

Our head-to-head wouldn't be complete without taking a look at their attacking output: Berardi’s 13 goals certainly trump Insigne’s seven, but we mustn’t forget that the Napoli wide man has also provided six assists, and has been the architect of 75 dangerous chances.