Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest commenced their Europa League campaign on a note of disaster as they were hammered 4-1 by Liverpool at Anfield a fortnight ago. Steaua are the outsiders to progress from this group but that heavy defeat indeed was a massive blow.
However, Steaua are looking for a fresh new start under new coach Marius Lacatus, who returned for a third spell at the club after Ilie Dumitrescu stepped down last week following criticism from the supporters of the club.
At the moment Steaua are fifth in the league standings in Romania and lost 1-0 at Otelul Galati at the weekend and Lacatus knows of the task at hand. He says, "I watched Napoli's game at Cesena. They played a fantastic game and showed great football.
"I fear not just one or two Napoli players, but the whole group. We will have to step up our game if we are going to surprise Napoli.''
Stepping Up Their Game
Napoli have a brilliant team and are expected to make it through from this group along with Premier League giants Liverpool but so far they have been under par. A fortnight ago the former Italian champions were held to a goalless draw by FC Utrecht in Naples and now know that they have to get a point at least in Bucharest on Thursday evening.
Napoli have started to gather momentum in Serie A and came from a goal down to defeat Cesena 4-1 at the weekend. Coach Walter Mazzarri hopes that his team can pick up the thread from there and enthuses, "This is a high-level Napoli. I don't think we can play any better. I have complimented all my players and especially the new signings - they have surpassed expectations.
"This is a group victory and I would like to underline that this team always play good football whether they are at home or away.''
The Azzurri will aim to collect maximum points on Thursday evening given their firepower in the attackline.
TEAM NEWS
Steaua Bucharest
There are no major injury concerns for the Romanians although Lacatus may like to shake things a little bit after their weekend loss in a domestic league fixture.
Napoli
Defender Paolo Cannavaro is a suspected injury concern with a muscle problem.
Prediction
Napoli are a good side but perhaps are not that equipped to win away from home. A draw, though, is not out of the picture.
Steaua 2-2 Napoli 
