Walter Mazzarri concedes Napoli have injury concerns going into the lunchtime battle for second place with Lazio, but hopes for another late late show.
“I thought with the Europa League that we'd have more problems in Serie A this season, so it was difficult to predict we'd be third at this stage,” said the Coach.
They achieved that thanks to Ezequiel Lavezzi's winner at Cagliari on Wednesday in the last kick of the game.
Walter Mazzarri concedes Napoli have injury concerns going into the lunchtime battle for second place with Lazio, but hopes for another late late show.
“I thought with the Europa League that we'd have more problems in Serie A this season, so it was difficult to predict we'd be third at this stage,” said the Coach.
They achieved that thanks to Ezequiel Lavezzi's winner at Cagliari on Wednesday in the last kick of the game.
“We do often score in stoppages, but it's not calculated that way. It is simply in the DNA of this squad to keep on fighting until the 95th minute. We have this mentality that leads us to take advantage when our opponents think they've got it in the bag.”
If Napoli's confidence is sky high, then the same cannot be said of Lazio, who lost the leadership after two consecutive defeats.
“We are more tired than them and I don't believe they'll sit back at all,” noted Mazzarri, who has to do without Andrea Dossena and Salvatore Aronica, while Hugo Campagnaro, Edinson Cavani and Michele Pazienza are not 100 per cent fit.
“We also picked up a series of injuries all at once, so I would've liked to face Lazio with the complete squad at my disposal.
“Edy Reja is a great Coach and his position in the table proves it. The team reflects his mentality and is earning important results.
“Reja spent four years on the Napoli bench and I would like to stay here that long too. It is the ideal club for me and suits my character. We play good football and it's wonderful to give the fans the opportunity to dream.”
This will be a lunchtime kick-off, so the 12.30 local time start – 11.30 in the UK – means important adjustments.
“It's difficult to eat a full meal at 9.15am. You have to get up early and change your habits. We did the experiment in Cesena and it went well, so we'll see how it goes this time.”
Napoli squad: De Sanctis, Gianello, Iezzo, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Cribari, Grava, Santacroce, Zuniga, Blasi, Hamsik, Maggio, Pazienza, Sosa, Vitale, Yebda, Cavani, Lavezzi, Maiello, Dumitru