Napoli vs Parma preview - Lucarelli wants 'no fear' approach

Posted Friday, November 22, 2013 by PA

Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli has called for his team to play without fear at Napoli on Saturday night.

The Ducale club, currently in 11th place in Serie A, travel to the San Paolo stadium having failed to claim a point on the road this season.

They take on a Napoli side unbeaten at home and third in the standings, four points adrift of league leaders Roma.

"It's going to be a tough game because Napoli are very strong," Lucarelli said. "They are a complete team, with experience and are of European calibre.

"We will have to suffer a lot.

"The good news is that we've had the international break to prepare for this game.

"Napoli are favourites because they are playing in front of their fans and they will be eager to win.

"But we will not go there with fear, we will go to Naples determined to play a good game and bring home a victory."

Parma, coached by Roberto Donadoni, held Lazio to a 1-1 draw last time out, a result which extended the Gialloblu's unbeaten run to three games.

Napoli, meanwhile, go into the match having already put behind them their 3-0 loss at Juventus in the last round.

The outcome was Napoli's second loss of the campaign.

"I think the results we have taken so far have been very good all things considered," Napoli coach Rafa Benitez said. "We cannot forget that this is my first season here and that we've had a lot of new players.

"I am very optimistic about the future and I think we can do better."

A win on Saturday would be a big boost in confidence for Napoli in view of next week's Champions League game at Borussia Dortmund.

A point in Germany would be enough for the azzurri to progress to the knockout round.