For former Italian champions Napoli, featuring in the group stage of the Europa League is indeed a great achievement as just a few years back the Neapolitans were playing in Serie B. But brighter days are back in Naples and it's now time for the players to take their team to glory in Europe.
Napoli will play their first ever game in the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday when they host Utrecht but have a number of superb players with international experience who will have just victory on their mind.
Furthermore, the Azzurri have won their last four European home games and this will certainly encourage them.
Hoping For A Win
Dutch side FC Utrecht will make their first competitive debut in Italy on Thursday when they face Napoli in Naples. A win shouldn't exactly be on their mind but given that the Italians will be making their Europa League debut there is a chance for a draw.
Utrecht will look to improve on their only previous group stage campaign. They played in the UEFA Cup in 2004-05 and lost all four of their games in the group. Under coach Ton du Chatinier, indeed the Dutch side will aim to be very competitive on Thursday.
TEAM NEWS
Napoli
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Pazienza, Gargano, Dossena; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani
Utrecht
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Vorm, Cornelisse, Schut, Wuytens, Nesu; Maguire, Nijholt, Silberbauer, Lensky; Duplan, Van Wolfswinkel
Prediction
Napoli will win this match by a two-goal margin as they are strong at home and also have a superior team
Napoli 2-0 Utrecht 
