Rafa Benitez said Napoli “must prove we deserve” third place against Lazio, but told Dries Mertens’ agent to “shut up.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Only one point separates the two teams going into the Stadio Olimpico as part of a large group of sides fighting for that Champions League spot.
Rafa Benitez said Napoli “must prove we deserve” third place against Lazio, but told Dries Mertens’ agent to “shut up.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Only one point separates the two teams going into the Stadio Olimpico as part of a large group of sides fighting for that Champions League spot.
“I am certain Lazio will start strong, as they are a team who score many goals in the opening minutes,” said Benitez in a Press conference.
“It’s not just Lazio, but also Sampdoria, Milan and Fiorentina – and us – who have to work hard to get third place. Tomorrow we must prove that we deserve to be there.
“Last season we had Insigne, Pandev and Dzemaili who scored many goals, whereas now our strikers tend to make the difference, but at the same time we don’t net as easily. We wait for the right moment to arrive and then strike.
“Antonio Candreva is a very dangerous figure for Lazio and he can make the difference in this match. Their system can also change during the course of a game. We have analysed everything about Lazio, then we’ll see if we understood it all or will run into some surprises.
“If we continue in the same vein as last season, then we will finish third. We need to keep the defence afloat and if we stay like this we will be where we need to be, even if it’ll be difficult.
“After this game there will be another 19, so it will be important, but not decisive. I compliment Lazio on their campaign, but we have confidence and are going to Rome in order to win.
“Italian football is very complicated and there’s a lot of tactical work. We have the quality and physical fitness to do well in the second half of the season.”
Miguel Angel Britos is suspended, so Benitez hinted Ivan Strinic could get his debut.
“Either Mesto or Strinic could start at left-back. They both have a 50-50 chance of starting.”
On Friday there was controversy around Napoli after the agent of Mertens warned the Belgium international wanted more playing time.
“Competition for places is positive and raises the overall level of the squad. Agents do their job. The ones who go around talking ought to shut up. Competition is a strength, not a weakness in a team.
“I’d say our transfer window is closed, as only Radosevic could go to Varese. Unless of course someone offers us €50m for Colombo…
“If there’s an opportunity to bring someone in, then we’ll take it, otherwise we’re done for January. Arbeloa? No, you’re wasting your time,” he told reporters.