Roma vs Napoli preview - Mazzarri taking it week by week

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has warned his team it would be a mistake to look too far ahead with 14 games still left to play in Serie A.

The Azzurri have been one of the surprise packages so far this season and go into the clash at Roma just three points behind league leaders AC Milan.

Their second position in the table has fuelled hopes among Napoli's passionate fans that they could battle for the league title.

However, Mazzarri said: "For the time being we are not setting aims.

"We go week by week and then we will see.

"I don't want to include Napoli in the Scudetto race because I want to continue to work in this direction, without getting carried away.

"I am realistic. I continue to believe that the Scudetto is a battle between the usual teams: Milan, Inter, Juventus and Roma."

Despite a seven-point difference between Napoli and Roma, Mazzarri knows his team are in for a huge test at the Stadio Olimpico.

"It will be a final for us and we have to get into the encounter with the right spirit to win," he said.

"Roma are a fierce rival, especially when they play at home."

Mazzarri has reason to be cautious as Napoli have lost two of their last three games on the road.

Roma, meanwhile, are the only Serie A side to remain unbeaten at home this season.

Claudio Ranieri's Roma go into the encounter needing a victory to get back into the Scudetto race.

Last weekend's 5-3 defeat at Inter Milan dropped the Eternal City giants to seventh place, 10 points behind the league leaders.

Roma do have a game in hand.

"There are still many games left to play and we will not give up," Roma striker Marco Borriello said.

"But we have to keep fighting and give our best in every game."

Roma welcome back captain Francesco Totti who missed last weekend's match with the flu.

However, the hosts will have to overcome the absence of defenders Nicolas Burdisso and Philippe Mexes, both banned.