The title defense of the Partenopei has hit a mid-winter snag. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Napoli were held to a second consecutive 0–0 draw at home, this time by a disciplined and defensive Parma side.
This result marks the third straight stalemate in Serie A for Antonio Conte’s side (following draws against Hellas Verona and Inter Milan), leaving the reigning champions three points adrift of league leaders Inter.
Match Highlights: VAR and Rinaldi Deny the Champions
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was a story of "what could have been" for the hosts, who dominated possession and territory but lacked the clinical edge to break the deadlock.
11’ | The Disallowed Breakthrough: The stadium erupted early when Scott McTominay bundled the ball home after a goalmouth scramble.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was chalked off—Pasquale Mazzocchi was judged to be millimetres offside in the build-up.
The Debutant’s Masterclass: Parma's 23-year-old goalkeeper Filippo Rinaldi, making his senior Serie A debut, was the undisputed Man of the Match.
He produced a world-class reflex save to deny an Alessandro Buongiorno header in the first half and frustrated Rasmus Højlund throughout the evening.
The "Suspended" Shadow: With Antonio Conte serving the first of a two-match touchline ban (following his dismissal against Inter), assistant Cristian Stellini led the team from the dugout. Despite a triple substitution before the hour mark—including the return of David Neres—Napoli failed to find a rhythm.
The Scudetto Race: Losing Ground?
Napoli’s inability to win has allowed the Milan clubs to tighten their grip on the top spots.
Inter Milan: 43 pts (Pending their match against Lecce)
AC Milan: 40 pts (Facing Como on Thursday)
Napoli: 40 pts (Played one more game than Inter)
Juventus/Roma: 39 pts
Cristian Stellini (Assistant Coach): "It is a frustrating night. We created enough to win two games, but when the luck isn't there and the opposing keeper has the game of his life, it's difficult. We miss the boss on the touchline, but we must be more clinical."
The Verdict: Napoli look like a team suffering from "mental fatigue." While their defensive solidity remains (helped by the return of Alessandro Buongiorno), the lack of goals from Rasmus Højlund and the absence of Kevin De Bruyne in the creative engine room are starting to take a toll.