Preview: Napoli vs. Sparta Prague

Former champions Napoli open their Europa League group campaign on Thursday when they welcome Sparta Prague to the Stadio San Paolo.

The Italians, who lifted the trophy back in 1989 when it was known as the UEFA Cup, dropped down to this season's competition after being beaten by Athletic Bilbao in Champions League qualifying.

Rafael Benitez's side have started the new Serie A season modestly, with one win and one defeat putting them in ninth place in the standings.

In contrast, Sparta Prague currently sit in second spot in their domestic league thanks to four wins from their opening seven games.

The Czechs had to beat Dutch side PEC Zwolle to make it through to the group stage of the Europa League, but a 4-2 aggregate victory saw them through safely.

Recent form

Napoli: WLDLWL

Sparta Prague: DLWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Napoli: Rafael; Maggio, Albiol, Koulibaly, Zuniga; Inler, Jorginho; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain

Sparta Prague: Bicik; Kovac, Brabec, Nhamoinesu, Vacek; Matejovsky, Dockal, Marecek, Krejci; Kaderabek, Lafata

Sports Mole says: 2-0