Napoli are sixth and 11 points off the top before the Juventus trip

After nine rounds, one number matters more than the rest: 11. That is the gap between Napoli and the joint leaders, Lazio and Inter, who are both on 25 points.

Crowded below, wide open above

The gap above Napoli is wide, and the margin below is thin. Frosinone and Juventus are also on 14, and Frosinone still have a game in hand. Torino and Cagliari are on 13. One slip could leave Napoli tenth, and that is why the fanbase was not satisfied with four goals at Monza.

Three games unbeaten after defeats to Villarreal and Venezia is a genuine run. But in the league that run includes a 3-3 draw at home to Roma, which felt like a chance missed.

Where the gap really lies

The numbers back the supporters who want two things from Allegri. Napoli have scored 17 goals. That is a lot, but Inter, Roma and Lazio have scored more.

At the back, Napoli have conceded 11 in nine games, more than one a match. Lazio have let in 7, and Roma and Como 8 each. This is where the distance from the top is measured. With this squad, sixth is not where Napoli belong, and a defence that always gives something away is the main reason.

Juventus next

Juventus come next, on Sunday 1 November at 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET) at the Allianz Stadium. They are level with Napoli on 14 points and have a goal record of 11 scored and 10 conceded.

It is the first in a run of games against sides the fanbase sees as Napoli's equals. The winner pulls away from the loser. The loser drops back into the pack and watches the leaders from a distance. In October that is not yet a verdict, but the supporters would not accept it as a one-off.