Napoli vs Lecce preview - Mazzarri wants same again

Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2012 by PA

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is hoping his side can build on last weekend's triumph over Novara when they take on relegation-threatened Lecce at the Via del Mare stadium.

The Naples outfit bounce back from three straight defeats with Sunday's 2-0 win over Novara.

The result lifted Napoli to fifth in the standings, four points behind Lazio, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"We know that from here until the end of the season we have five finals and we will have to give our all in every match," Mazzarri said. "We played well against Novara and I saw positive signs.

"I hope my team can hand a similar performance against Lecce.

"I will confirm the same starting XI."

Napoli are still without strikers Goran Pandev and Ezequiel Lavezzi, with the former suspended and the latter out injured.

Marek Hamsik will play in support of lone striker Edinson Cavani, who is the team's top scorer with 20 goals so far.

Napoli can expect a battle with Lecce knowing that a win could seee them climb to safety for the first time this year.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Lazio left the Salentini one point behind 17th-place Genoa, who take on defending champions AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Lecce, coached by Serse Cosmi, have lost just one of their last 12 league games.

"I have already warned my players that Lecce is a strong team, that is going through a good spell," Mazzarri said. "They have important players and a solid midfield line.

"We cannot take them lightly."

The home side will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Manuele Blasi from suspension.