Last weekend Napoli achieved one of the best results of their entire league campaign. The Partenopei defeated Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in what was the Lupi's first league loss in Rome this season. Edinson Cavani was once again the Azzurri's best player as he scored both the goals.
That marvellous victory kept Napoli in the hunt for their first Scudetto since 1990 as with 49 points from 25 matches, Walter Mazzarri's side are just three points behind leaders Milan. A win at home against Catania could see them go level on points with the Rossoneri should they suffer defeat to Chievo in Verona.
However, on Thursday evening Napoli failed to get the better of Villarreal in their Europa League, Round of 32, first-leg tie in Naples and with a goalless draw at home, they are in a disadvantage of further progress in the competition. Which is not entirely a bad thing for the former Italian champions, as they will be able to turn their focus fully on the league campaign.
Looking Over Their Shoulders
Catania remain dangerously close to the relegation zone as the Sicilians are just four points above the bottom-three. At the moment the Etnei have 26 points from 25 matches and are 16th in the league standings.
Last weekend Diego Simeone's side defeated fellow relegation candidates Lecce 3-2 in Sicily to ease some of the pressure on themselves but with the visit to Naples looming large, the immediate future isn't looking very bright.
Furthermore, Catania have a wretched away form this season as they have yet to win on the road and have lost eight of the 12 away matches, scoring just seven goals in the process.
TEAM NEWS
Napoli
Grava and Vitale will miss the match because of injuries. Campagnaro and Lavezzi are suspended.
Catania
Capuano, Biagianti, Izco, Bellusci, Carboni and Terlizzi are unavailable for the trip to Naples as they are injured.
Prediction
Napoli should emerge victorious with comfort against a Catania side who have one of the worse away records in the Italian first division this season.
Napoli 2-0 Catania 
