Napoli vs Chievo preview - Jorginho set for Napoli bow

Posted Friday, January 24, 2014 by PA

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez is ready to hand new signing Jorginho his debut in Saturday's Serie A match against Chievo.

The Brazilian playmaker joined the Naples outfit from Hellas Verona this week on a permanent transfer and has signed a contract with Napoli until June 2018.

The 22-year-old has proved inspirational for Hellas, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances.

"Jorginho has trained well," Benitez said in Friday's press conference. "It's possible that he could make his debut on Saturday.

"He is young and it's a good signing not just for the present but for the future.

"He is in good form and gives me another alternative in midfield."

Napoli go into this weekend's encounter on the back of a 2-2 draw at Bologna last time out.

The outcome left Napoli in third place, four points adrift of Roma and three points clear of Fiorentina.

"I've told my players to focus on Roma," Benitez said. "Our aim is to return to the Champions League.

"We know that Fiorentina are doing well but our aim is to keep up with Roma.

"I have confidence in my team and I know we can do very well once we have all of our players available."

Napoli, who are unbeaten since a 1-0 defeat to Parma on November 23, are still without the services of injured midfielder Valon Behrami.

Marek Hamsik is to return to the starting line-up this weekend for the first time since November with the Slovakian midfielder having fully recovered from a foot injury.

Rivals Chievo have warned Napoli that they will not go down without a fight.

The Verona outfit, coached by Eugenio Corini, goes into this weekend's encounter at the San Paolo stadium on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Parma.

That loss extended Chievo's winless run to five games and dropped the Flying Donkeys to 16th place, level on 17 points with Sassuolo, who are 18th.

"We know it is going to be a very difficult game against Napoli," Chievo midfielder Luca Rigoni said. "They are a fantastic side and much stronger when they play at home.

"We are in desperate need of points and we will not go to Naples already beaten."

Miguel Angel Britos will replace Napoli defender Raul Albiol, who serves a one-match ban.