Napoli vs Chievo preview - Napoli want to reignite season

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 by PA

Napoli's season has lost some of its lustre since the turn of the year but a win over Chievo would be a big boost in confidence for Walter Mazzarri's men.

For much of the early part of the campaign, Napoli were contenders to battle for the scudetto.

However, a slump in form in 2012 has seen them drop to seventh place, 16 points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan.

"Against Chievo, we need a victory at all costs, even if we play badly," Mazzarri said. "We are going through a tough spell.

"I want to see the same enthusiasm that we see for our Champions League games in tomorrow's encounter at the San Paolo stadium.

"I ask the fans to be behind us, we need their support."

The Naples outfit have not won since beating Palermo 3-1 on January 8.

Since then, Mazzarri's men have mustered four draws, including last weekend's goalless tie at Milan.

They go into Monday's encounter on the back of a midweek 2-1 defeat to Siena in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.

Despite Napoli's struggles, Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo is not taking them lightly.

"Napoli have great talent," he said. "They have an incredible attack with the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Goran Pandev.

"We will have to play a great game against them."

Chievo were beaten 2-1 by Parma last time out and lie in 14th place, four points below Napoli.

The Flying Donkeys have won just one of their last four games but will be buoyed by their recent record against Napoli.

Chievo have beaten them in their last three league meetings.

The hosts will be without suspended captain Paolo Cannavaro.