Napoli vs Cesena Preview: Mazzarri rallies his troops

Napoli are looking to get back on track in the Serie A title chase when they host Cesena.

The club's four-match unbeaten run came to an end on Wednesday in a 2-0 defeat at Chievo.

Napoli remained in second place but fell five points behind league leaders AC Milan.

Walter Mazzarri, the Napoli coach, is confident the team will bounce back.

"It was an ugly game from our part," said Mazzarri.

"We have had a drop in form but this defeat will help my team grow in the future.

"We have to remain humble and keep working, even though it's not easy to play every three days."

Napoli have not lost at the San Paolo stadium since October 25.

Since then, Mazzarri's men have collected 19 points of a possible 21 at home.

"We are doing well at home and we must continue to do so," said Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

"This month will be key to our aspirations and we cannot afford a drop in form or to give away points in our next four games."

While Napoli are among the leading sides in Italy, Cesena are in the relegation zone and two points from safety after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Catania on Wednesday.

Massimo Ficcadenti's team, which won promotion last season from Serie B, has not won since January 6.

"Our situation was not easy at the start of the year and it's not easy now," said Ficcadenti.

"But we must remain united and keep fighting until the end."

The home side will be without midfielder Michele Pazienza, who serves a one-match ban.

end