Napoli vs Inter Milan preview - Mazzarri keeps champagne on ice

Posted Sunday, May 05, 2013 by PA

Napoli will be looking to claim an automatic Champions League place against Inter Milan, but coach Walter Mazzarri says he will not be popping any champagne corks unless AC Milan are also beaten by Torino.

Seven points currently separate second-placed Napoli and Milan in third, but Mazzarri admits he will not be able to sit comfortably if the gap remains unaltered with three games of the season to go.

"We may have an advantage in terms of goal difference right now, but if Milan manage to finish level on points with us that could change," he said.

"We must not think of that and I don't think we will do, just like we will not look at what the others are doing."

Taking things one step at a time is a common adage in football but one which Mazzarri is keen to stress in view of such a challenging game.

"Just look at our games against Atalanta and against Cagliari too," he said at a press conference.

"How much of a struggle was it for us to get points? Inter are ahead of both of them and they have big players, so you have got to be fully motivated for games like this.

"As always, we are going to need the perfect game."

Inter may need even more than that with their injury situation deteriorating even further following the loss of Javier Zanetti to a torn Achilles tendon last weekend.

However, their coach Andrea Stramaccioni is looking ahead to the future with confidence.

"I know the fans are sad right now but they need to relax because some new players are going to arrive who identify with Inter," he said.

"Our people are working hard and we are following players from Real Madrid and Barcelona because they are big players.

"I think the fans can get ready to welcome a big name."

Stramaccioni hopes to welcome Antonio Cassano and Esteban Cambiasso back into his side while Fredy Guarin is also an option once again.