Napoli vs Inter Milan: Maurizio Sarri's Napoli eyeing Inter scalp

Posted Monday, November 30, 2015 by PA

Napoli have already proved they can beat the strongest teams in Italy and Serie A leaders Inter Milan have now moved squarely into their sights.

Maurizio Sarri's Azzurri have beaten the likes of reigning champions Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina this season and are now targeting Inter and top spot, which is only two points away.

Ahead of Monday night's showdown at the Stadio San Paolo, head coach Sarri told sscnapoli.it: "I don't feel any pressure. If we are in this position then it's because we have done well so far. And we will continue to do so.

"We have successfully challenged the strongest teams in the league and got good results against Lazio, Fiorentina, Juventus and AC Milan, and now with the same sense of serenity we will challenge Inter.

"It's a great pleasure to be able to play in these top-of-the-table clashes, because it means that we have done enough to be only two points behind the leaders."

Sarri does not believe the outcome in Naples will determine the final destination of the Scudetto, however.

"I don't think this game will have any huge implications," he added. "It's going to be an interesting and fascinating game, and I do think it will be important in terms of the title race.

"But there are still 25 games to play and I won't allow any of the results we secure from now to the end of the season to affect us psychologically."

Inter, coached once again by Roberto Mancini, were the early pacesetters but recently had to dethrone surprise package Fiorentina to reclaim first place.

The former Manchester City boss is determined to put daylight between his Nerazzurri and the chasing pack.

"At the moment we are out in front, we're first, and that's very important," he told reporters at the Angelo Moratti training complex.

"This will be a big test for us as it's the first time we've played in such a high-end fixture away from San Siro.

"There are four other teams very close to us in the table and I don't expect that to change by the end of this game.

"I imagine we'll all be fighting each other right to the very end of the season."

Napoli winger Dries Mertens and striker Manolo Gabbiadini face late fitness checks while Inter have doubts over right-back Davide Santon and French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.

Inter have not won this fixture since October 1997, when goals from Ivan Zamorano and Ronaldo earned the northerners a 2-0 victory.