Sunday’s blank against Benevento – as Napoli came from behind against the resolute newly-promoted side in Serie A – saw Victor Osimhen’s goals per game ratio shrink ever so slightly.
The 21-year-old was peripheral for the most part, but it ultimately did not matter. Not when Lorenzo Insigne can find the top corner from outside the box with his weaker foot; not when Gennaro Gattuso can summon battering ram Andrea Petagna from the bench to intervene.
In those circumstances, the club can afford to absorb what is, for all intents and purposes, a slow start.