STAT ATTACK: Hamsik equals Cavani? Higuain's goal drought, Milan newboys shine

Topics: Juventus, AC Milan, Roma, Napoli, Gonzalo Higuain, Marek Hamsik, Serie A

Napoli's Marek Hamsik matches Uruguayan ace Edinson Cavani, whilst new Milan signings step up and Juve's defenders show they can do more than just defend.

Matchday 15 still has two more games to go, with Chievo taking on Genoa and Udinese locking horns with Bologna. However, all the bigger matches have now finished as the table begins to take shape as we head towards the midway point of the 2016/2017 season.

Here's a breakdown of some interesting stats and facts from all the action in what was a very interesting batch of fixtures this past week.

Napoli's Marek Hamsik equals former colleague Edinson Cavani...and moves closer to making history

Napoli thrashed Inter 3-0 to get back on track, with captain Hamsik also grabbing a goal. It is his 104th for the Partenopei, which puts him level with Cavani. And more important, it means that he has just 11 goals to go to match Diego Maradona's all-time top total of 115.

Double threat: Juve's defense can do more than just defend after all...

On matchday 14, Juventus suffered a shock loss to Genoa. It marked the first time the Bianconeri had shipped three goals in a Serie A match in over three years, so all eyes were on Massimiliano Allegri's men ahead of their clash against Atalanta on Sunday.

Well, not only did they bounce back to win 3-1, but it wasn't just the attack getting in on the fun. In fact, two out of those goals came from defenders, showing that La Vecchia Signora really can threaten from any player on the pitch:

8 - Juventus have scored 8 goals with their defenders in Serie A this season, more than any other side. Solutions. #JuveAtalanta
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 3, 2016

Defenders Alex Sandro and Daniele Rugani got two out of the team's three goals, with Mario Mandzukic scoring the third. This will be really encouraging as Gonzalo Higuain has not netted in his past four games.

Better late than never...Milan's new-boy Mario Pasalic celebrates historic goal

Meanwhile, AC Milan, who have had an impressive season so far, made sure they stayed in contention for a Champions League spot with another victory. It wasn't easy against debutants Crotone, but the Rossoneri got the job done thanks to two of their new signings - Mario Pasalic and Gianluca Lapadula. It was a special day for both players as they achieved historic milestones:

379 - The previous Mario Pasalic league goal dated back to November 2015 in Monaco-Nantes, 379 days ago. Awakening. #MilanCrotone
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 4, 2016

1 - Gianluca Lapadula has scored for the first time at San Siro in his first start at home for AC Milan. Ready. #MilanCrotone
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 4, 2016

Standings, standings, and more standings

Here's the top ten after 15 rounds...

Italian Serie A table standings: @acmilan's resurgence; meanwhile, Inter are 10th! pic.twitter.com/ZlOHJIUQer
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) December 5, 2016

and here's how things are shaping up in the race for the Capocannoniere...