Udinese vs Napoli preview - Mertens wants to maintain momentum

Posted Saturday, September 20, 2014 by PA

Napoli winger Dries Mertens has called on his team-mates to build on their midweek Europa League win when they return to Serie A action this weekend.

The Azzurri go into Sunday's game at Udinese buoyed by their come-from-behind 3-1 win over Sparta Prague in their Group H opener on Thursday.

Mertens, who struck twice to down Sparta, has called for more of the same.

"We had to win this game at all costs," Mertens said. "Despite going behind early in the game, we showed a lot of character to turn the result around.

"I am happy to have scored two goals but even more satisfied that we started the competition on the right foot.

"Now we must give continuity to this victory when we face Udinese."

Napoli lost 1-0 at home to Chievo in their last Serie A game having previously enjoyed a 2-1 win at Genoa in their league opener.

Rafa Benitez's side travels to Udine without defender Faouzi Ghoulam and midfielder Jorginho, both out injured.

Udinese, meanwhile, head into the encounter at the Friuli stadium on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Juventus.

Bianconero coach Andrea Stramaccioni, whose side had beaten Empoli 2-0 in their league opener, preferred to focus on the positives.

"We struggled in the opening half but we handed a good performance after the restart and that is where we will have to pick up from when we take on Napoli," Stramaccioni said.

Udinese know they face a stern test on Sunday but are determined to return to winning ways.

"We need to have the right approach to the game," Udinese winger Bruno Fernandes said. "We need to play without fear and ready to take three points."

Fernandes is set to partner Antonio Di Natale in Udinese's attack.

The hosts will be without full-back Giovanni Pasquale, who is out with a hip injury.