Venezia 0-0 Napoli: Partenopei miss chance to reclaim Serie A lead in stalemate against hosts
Napoli squandered an opportunity to return to the top of the Serie A table for the first time since February, as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Venezia on Sunday.
Despite dominating possession, Napoli remained in second place with 61 points from 29 games, level with league leaders Inter Milan and three points ahead of third-placed Atalanta, who were set to clash with Inter later in the day.
When asked about the impact of the Atalanta-Inter result on Napoli’s title push, manager Antonio Conte told DAZN: "To us it changes nothing, we have to look at ourselves and give everything as we did today. Then in the end we'll see the products of our efforts. I've always been critical when there was something to be critical about. Not today, it's a game we deserved to win but a draw fits."
Both teams had chances to break the deadlock in an action-packed start at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium. Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori struck the post, while Venezia’s Daniel Fila was denied by visiting goalkeeper Alex Meret from close range. As the first half progressed, Napoli seized control, forcing Venezia shot-stopper Ionut Radu into key saves from Raspadori, Romelu Lukaku, and Scott McTominay.
Venezia nearly stunned the visitors just before halftime, but Amir Rrahmani produced a crucial last-ditch block to prevent Fila’s low drive from crossing the line. Napoli intensified their attacking efforts in the second half, but Venezia’s solid defensive display frustrated Conte’s men, extending their streak of just one goal conceded in four league matches—a run that also included goalless draws against top-five sides Lazio and Atalanta.
Winger Matteo Politano tested Radu twice, but Napoli’s quadruple substitution failed to provide the spark they needed. The visitors looked disjointed in the final stretch, while Venezia nearly snatched a dramatic late winner, with Nicolussi Caviglia’s thunderous strike forcing a top-class save from Meret in stoppage time.
Venezia, still without a Serie A win since their 2-1 victory over Cagliari on December 22, remain second from bottom with 20 points, five away from safety. However, goalkeeper Radu remained optimistic, telling DAZN: "I am happy with our spirit, hopefully we will continue on this path. When there are good results they also bring good performances and the hunger we need, we are missing the victory that will soon come."
SportsLigue