AC Milan vs Napoli preview - Mazzarri ready for `final`
Posted Monday, February 28, 2011 by PA
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is hoping his title-chasing team can rise to the occasion when they visit Serie A leaders AC Milan.
The Azzurri have not won the Scudetto since 1990, when Diego Maradona was establishing a reputation as the best footballer in the world.
The club have had many lows in the last two decades, but are now among the elite in Italy once again.
"The game in Milan is like a final," said Mazzarri, whose side head to the San Siro three points behind Milan.
"We will go there without any fear, trying to impose our play and take home a very important win."
Napoli have been the biggest surprise package in the Italian top flight this season.
Last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Catania was the club's sixth win in seven games.
The Partenopei have the second best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 22 goals - two more than Milan.
Mazzarri is happy with his team's achievements so far on the domestic front.
"To have been able to take Napoli to the high position in the standings, with great work and confidence, is for me a matter of pride," Mazzarri said.
"I have a great relationship with my players."
Napoli will look to make amends for their elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Villarreal on Thursday.
The azzurri lost 2-1 in Spain having been held to a goalless draw at home in their last-32 opener.
Since Napoli were earlier this year knocked out out of the Coppa Italia by Inter Milan, the Scudetto is the only title the club have left to play for this term.
Napoli have for most of the season played up their status as overachievers, but Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will not take them lightly.
"Even if they hide or attempt to hide away from that fact, this match is a Scudetto duel," he said.
The Rossoneri beat Napoli 2-1 at the Stadio San Paolo earlier this season and go into the match on the back of two straight wins.
"We cannot fail against Napoli," said Milan striker Robinho.
"This is a hugely important game in view of the standings.
"Every game from now on is crucial for us and we must take the win."
Robinho will play behind Alexandre Pato and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Milan's attack.
Mazzarri will have all his players available with the exception of injured defender Gianluca Grava and suspended striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani is set to return to the Napoli starting XI after dropping to the bench in midweek.
Cavani, who has struck 20 times in Serie A this season, will play alongside Marek Hamsik up front.M
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