Walter Mazzarri is not yet sure whether Cagliari’s problems are ‘physical or psychological’ ahead of his return to face ‘tank’ Napoli.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Although his debut on the bench was a 2-2 draw at Lazio, his Sardinians disappointed in the midweek 2-0 home defeat to Empoli.
“If we want to see Cagliari organised, solid and attacking, we need the team to be as sharp and fired up as they were in the Lazio game,” said Mazzarri in his press conference.
“My real curiosity is to see how the lads will do in their third game in a week. They gave everything against Lazio, paid the price for that a few days later against Empoli, and we’ll see what condition we’re in tomorrow. I have yet to understand if this is a physical problem or a psychological one, playing in front of the home fans.”
This represents a return to the Stadio San Paolo, or the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as it is now known, for the ex-Napoli coach.
“I know the fans still respect me, as they were four memorable years together, but my mind has to be focused only on Cagliari.”
It’ll be no mean feat, seeing as the Partenopei have won all five games so far in Serie A this season, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.
“Napoli are like a tank and really enjoy winning their games at the moment, so we must throw a spanner in the works.
“We cannot allow them opportunities to counter-attack into space.”