Catania are one of the clubs who are expected to struggle for survival this season and the way the league table is at the moment, they appear to be doing just that. The Sicilians may be ninth in the standings but with eight points from six matches, they are just three points above the relegation zone.
Catania are, of course, one of several clubs on eight points in a very congested league standings, so from that perspective they are not alone, and new coach Marco Giampaolo has already started weaving his magic. However, the Etnei will have to improve if they want to stay afloat in the Italian top flight.
Playing an in-form Napoli isn't an ideal way to pick up points but Catania are playing at home and this could act as an advantage. Striker Giuseppe Mascara is urging his side to do all they can to eke out a win and says, "At Lecce, we did not do well against a team that is not of the same quality as us. Now, we must win against a complete and competitive Napoli side.
"Even if we are playing at home, knowing we can do well here, we cannot commit the same errors that we did against Lecce. We cannot underestimate our opponents."
Aiming High
Napoli started the 2010-11 campaign with two successive draws but have since then racked up the points. Currently on a two-game winning run, Walter Mazzarri's side have 11 points from six matches and are third in the table.
More interestingly perhaps, Napoli are level on points with Italian giants Inter and Scudetto challengers Milan and just two points behind leaders Lazio. The Neapolitans have been going great guns in the Europa League too and will be looking forward to regaining their momentum after the international break.
Defender Christian Maggio has lavished praise on coach Mazzarri and says that he is the reason behind their success, enthusing, “The secret of this Napoli is Mazzarri. The coach is very close to the players. He gives us confidence and manages to motivate us in moments of difficulty."
TEAM NEWS
Catania
Sciacca and Augustyn are injured for Catania. Maxi Lopez and Mascara will start upfront.
Napoli
Lucarelli and Aronica are out injured. Mazzarri is likely to go with a 3-4-2-1 system that will have Cavani upfront on his own with Hamsik and Lavezzi just behind him.
Prediction
Napoli should win this match but they are prone to slip-ups. Catania do look strong at home and they could give the Naples-based side a hard time.
Catania 1-2 Napoli 
